Sun Exposure & Skin Cancer

Sun Exposure & Skin Cancer

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. The amount of damage from UV exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. There are no safe UV rays or safe suntans. Take these precautions protect against overexposure to sunlight:

• Cover up. Wear tightly woven clothing that blocks out light.

• Use sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks 93 percent of UV rays. Block both UVA and UVB rays to guard against skin cancer. Be sure to follow application directions on the bottle.

• Wear a hat. A wide brim hat (not a baseball cap) is ideal because it protects the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.

• Wear UV-absorbent shades. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

• Limit exposure. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Examine your body monthly to look for signs of skin cancer. The most important warning sign is a spot on the skin that changes in size, shape, or color during a period of one month to one or two years. Skin cancers detected early can almost always be cured.