Do the sunny days make you wonder about skin cancer or sun damage? Here are some stats about skin cancer:
- Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States.
- There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma.
- Early detection is the key in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
If you must be out in the sun, here are some tips to help you practice sun safety:
- If possible, stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing and a hat (long sleeves offer some protection).
Sun protection using a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with 30 spf (sun protection factor).
- Watch for drug interactions with the sun because some drugs make you more prone to sunburn.
- Be careful on cloudy days – even if it is cloudy, you can still get sun damage.
- Do not burn.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 Tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2 hours, immediately after swimming, or excessive sweating.
Source: OSU Extension Live Healthy Live Well Blog