Sun safety

Spending time outside serves as a way to stay physically active, obtain Vitamin D, and reduce stress. Stay sun-safe this summer and protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Typically, skin cancer forms on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms because these body parts are the most exposed to UV radiation.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
• Have light-color skin, hair, and eyes
• Have a family member with skin cancer
• Are over age 50

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure 2 to 3 times per week.

The best ways to practice UV protection include:

• Avoiding midday sun exposure (10:00 a.m. to 2:00-4:00 p.m.)
• Wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, reapplying every two hours, or after skin becomes wet
• Avoiding tanning bed use

What you eat and drink also plays a role in your skin cancer risk.  Eat a low-fat diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and spices. Common herbs that are found to have anti-cancer properties include curcumin, ginger, garlic, clove, rosemary, and saffron. Include fruits and vegetables from all colors of the rainbow. Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, and broccoli are just a few of many beneficial foods to incorporate into your diet.  


This article includes abstracted information from the following sources.

Bodemer, Apple. Skin Cancer, 2014.

https://www.cdc.gov