The Basics
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun.
- Stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
- Check your skin
regularly. This is called a skin self-exam.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are 3 different types of skin cancer.
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (together they are called nonmelanoma skin cancer). The most serious kind of skin cancer is called melanoma.
Visit these Web sites to learn more about skin cancer:
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with:
- White or light-colored skin with freckles
- Blond or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
Specific risk factors for melanoma include:
- Unusual moles
- Large number of moles
Take this quiz to better understand your risk for skin cancer.
The Benefits
By protecting your skin from the sun today, you can prevent skin cancer later in life. Most skin cancer appears after age 50, but damage from the sun starts at a young age.
Skin cancer is almost 100% curable if it’s found early and treated right away. That’s why it’s a good idea to check your skin for new growths or other signs of cancer.
Staying out of the sun and using sunscreen can also help prevent:
- Wrinkles
- Blotchy or spotty skin
- Other damage caused by the sun
Watch this slide show on sun damage
to help you recognize the signs of too much sun.
Take Action!
Take steps to prevent skin cancer.
Stay Out of the Sun Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The sun’s rays are the strongest in the middle of the day. Try to stay in the shade during these hours.
Use Sunscreen with SPF 15 or Higher.
Be sure to use enough sunscreen (a handful) and put it on again every few hours and after swimming or sweating. Put the sunscreen on 20 minutes before you go outside.
Cover up with Long Sleeves, a Hat, and Sunglasses.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or a long skirt. A hat with a wide brim can protect your face and neck.
The skin around your eyes is very sensitive. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes and your skin from sun damage.
Check Your Skin Once a Month.
Check your whole body once a month. Pick a day and mark it on your calendar so you don't forget.
Use mirrors.
The best place to do a skin self-exam is in a well-lit room in front of a mirror. The best time is right after a shower or bath. Examine your skin from head to toe. Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back.
Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to do a skin self-exam.
Look for changes.
- Learn where your birthmarks, blemishes, and moles are and what they usually look and feel like.
- Check the growths on your skin for changes in size, shape, color, or feel.
- Check for anything new- a sore that doesn't heal, a mole that bleeds, or any new growths.
If you find any changes, see a doctor.
See your doctor right away if you find any changes that worry you. Most growths are harmless. But only a doctor or nurse can tell you for sure.