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The good weather's finally here, and we're all eager to get out in the
sun and fresh air. Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active
life. But whether you enjoy tennis, hiking, gardening, or running, take
some precautions when you're out in the sun.
More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in
the United States. That's more than cancers of the prostate, breast,
lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but
some may come from manmade sources, such as tanning beds.
Are you sun-safe every day? Check your knowledge with this Q&A.
What's Your Sun Safety IQ?
What are the two most common (and painful!) sunscreen mistakes?
Using too little and waiting too long to reapply. To be sun-safe, use a palmful of sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours, and even more often if you are swimming or sweating.
If I'm wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want. True or false?
False. Sunscreen doesn't provide total protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays, so it's not smart to broil in the sun for hours. Seek shade and limit your time in the sun at midday. Cover up with a shirt or wear a wide-brimmed hat. And don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Getting a "base tan" at an indoor tanning salon is as good way to prevent sunburn when I go to the beach later this summer. True or False?
False. There is no such thing as a "safe tan." A "base tan" may, in fact, increase the chance you'll get a burn, because you're likely to stay out longer without properly protecting your skin. Also, tanning itself injures the skin. You don't see the UV damage to deeper layers, but it builds up from every tan and burn you've ever had.
I can't get skin cancer, because my routine doesn't include any outdoor activities. True or false?
False. Brief sun exposures all year round can add up to skin damage. For example, if you drive your car during peak sun hours, you're bathing your arms and hands in damaging UV rays.
Missed a question on this test? Bone up on your sun-safety know-how by reviewing our tips at www.cancer.org/sunsafety. Follow these
practical steps -- they provide the best
protection when used together.
Cover up
When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much skin as
possible. The ideal sun-protective fabrics are lightweight,
comfortable, and protect against exposure even when wet.
Use a sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher
Experts recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF)
of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection
against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen -- a higher number means
more protection. Be sure to read the label before you buy.
Use 1 ounce of sunscreen (a "palmful") to cover your arms,
legs, neck, and face. For best results, reapply every 2 hours -- even
more if you are swimming or sweating. Don't forget to protect your lips
by using a lip balm with SPF. And don't skip it just because it looks
overcast outside: UV light still comes through on hazy days.
Wear a hat
A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal
to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.
Wear sunglasses that block UV
rays
Invest in a pair of wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99%
UV absorption to block damaging UVA and UVB light.
Limit direct sun exposure during
midday
UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day,
usually between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. It's best to plan your
outdoor activities outside that timeframe, if possible.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays, as well.
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause serious long-term skin damage, and both
contribute to skin cancer. Our advice: skip the tanning bed and try a
bronzing lotion or self-tanning cream.
For more information, see Skin
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Revised: 06/01/2009
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