Protect your skin, celebrate 'Don't Fry Day' with these cancer prevention tips
TEXAS (CBSNewsTexas) - It's never too late to protect skin, so why not start today, May 26, which the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated as "Don't Fry Day" to encourage sun safety awareness.
As Texans dive into the unofficial start of summer this weekend, it's important to remember that sun safety isn't only for hot and sunny days.
According to the American Cancer Society, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. They recommend sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Read Texas cancer stats here.
Cloud cover reduces UV levels, but not completely. Depending on the thickness of the cloud cover, it is possible to burn on a cloudy day, even if it does not feel warm. Surfaces like sand, pavement, and water reflect much of the UV radiation that reaches them. Because of this reflection, UV intensity is often high even in shaded areas.
For those who think skin cancer isn't deadly, know that it's the most common cancer in the country. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to UV light. More skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year than all other cancers combined, according to The Skin Care Foundation.
How Can I Prevent Skin Cancer?
Know the UV index (UVI) rate
UVI gives an indication of the level of UV radiation and the potential danger of sun exposure.
Nearly all skin cancers could be prevented by limiting unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun. When skin cancers happen, most can be treated successfully if detected early—even melanoma.
There are many ways to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation:
- Seek shade when you can.
- Avoid the sun when UV rays are strongest, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Generously apply sunscreen and don't let your skin tan or burn.
Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
- Every hour of every day one American dies from melanoma – that's almost 10,000 people per year.
- Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 25-30 and the second leading cause of cancer death in women ages 30-35.
Every year in the U.S. nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer, at an estimated cost of $8.1 billion.
More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma
