Skin Cancer
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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning. CDC recommends these easy options—
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection.
- Avoid indoor tanning.
Next: Basic Information
Featured Resources
The Skin Cancer Prevention Progress Report summarizes recent prevention efforts and highlights new data, developments, and success stories.
Our skin cancer prevention fact sheets list strategies for parents, teachers, employers, and parks and recreation staff.
A new CDC study found that most Americans don't use sunscreen regularly. This infographic lists sun protection strategies that work.
“I learned the hard way: a tan is not a sign of health,” writes melanoma survivor Sharon McKenna in this blog post.
In this session of Grand Rounds, experts discuss how we can help people protect their skin and their lives while enjoying the outdoors.
Despite efforts to address risk factors, skin cancer rates have continued to increase. The The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer outlines actions everyone can take to reverse this alarming trend.
- Page last reviewed: September 28, 2016
- Page last updated: September 28, 2016
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