Skin cancer is considered an epidemic. Over one million new cases are expected this year. One in five Americans is expected to eventually get skin cancer, chiefly caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Health experts consider UV rays in the same group as other cancer-causing agents like asbestos, arsenic, and tobacco smoke. Both sunburns and tanning are outward signs of internal skin damage.

Personal Risk Factors
While any individual can get skin cancer – regardless of skin color – light-skinned people are at highest risk. Individuals are more likely to develop skin cancer if they have one or more of these characteristics:

• Fair skin
• Blue, green, or hazel eyes
• Light-colored hair
• Freckles
• A tendency to burn rather than tan
• A history of severe sunburns
• Have many moles (over 50)
• A personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Outdoor worker

• From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• When there is lack of thick cloud cover
• From mid-spring through mid-fall (also during winter at higher elevations)
• At higher altitudes

Skin Cancer Prevention
The recommended practices for preventing skin cancer are:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat (at least 4-inch brim).
• Wear tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible, weather permitting.
• Reduce sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• When feasible, stay under shade (trees, physical structures).
• Wear sunglasses that include a warranty stat.ing that they provide 99 – 100 percent UVA and UVB (broad-spectrum) protection.
• Liberally apply sunscreen – broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) – to exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Use lip balm with a SPF of 15 or greater.
• Avoid tanning salons, booths, and sunlamps.