Anne Arundel County Department of Health

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Protect Yourself and Your Family When You're Out in the Sun.

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Every year there are more and more new cases of skin cancer. In fact, more than one million new cases are found each year. While we can't totally stay out of the sun if we work outdoors or want to enjoy outdoor activities, we can try to better protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Learn how to protect yourself.

UVA and UVB radiation are two types of invisible ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. Both are known to cause skin cancer.

Order a free Safe in the Sun Kit or call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancers are divided into nonmelanomas and melanomas.

Nonmelanoma

Nonmelanomas (usually basal cell and squamous cell cancers) are the most common cancers of the skin but also the easiest to treat if found in time. These cancers are more common in older people.

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more serious. Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages, but it can spread to other parts of the body. While having dark skin lowers the risk of melanoma, even a person with dark skin can develop melanoma. Melanomas can affect even teens and young adults, especially those who do not protect their skin or have other risk factors.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors You Can Control

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure - UV radiation comes from the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds. A person's risk of skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. One bad sunburn before age 18 doubles your risk of melanoma skin cancer. Even without burning, skin damage from UV exposure increases the risk of non-melanoma cancer. UV radiation is present even in cold weather or on a cloudy day and being near water or snow can increase the exposure from reflected rays.

Risk Factors You Can't Change

Personal past history of skin cancer
Family history of skin cancer
Fair skin that freckles or burns easily
Light-colored hair and eyes
Men are 2-3 times more likely to have skin cancer than women

For a complete list of risk factors, click here.

How can you protect yourself and your family?

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.

Try to stay out of the sun midday (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest.
Cover up when outside in sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants.
Seek shade on sunny days. Use an umbrella at the beach or pool to avoid too much sun.
Be aware that water, snow, concrete and sand reflect sunlight, making UV exposure more intense.
Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply sunscreen after going in the water or at least every two hours, even if a sunscreen claims to be waterproof. Use a lip balm with a SPF of 15 or greater.
Wear sunglasses with 100% of UVA and UVB protection. Make sure prescription glasses have UV protection too.
Protect children six months and older with sunscreen and hats. Infants should always stay in the shade when outdoors. Check with your healthcare provider about using sunscreen on an infant under six months.
Protect yourself year-round when working or playing outdoors. Wear sunglasses. You still need to use sunscreen in the winter on any exposed skin, particularly the face. Be extra careful if you are skiing or around snow. Snow reflects sunlight, making it more intense.
Don't forget to pack sunscreen for vacations or outdoor activities.
If you or your kids don't like sunscreen creams try a spray.
Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer.
Check suspicious moles with your doctor.

A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA and UVB radiation are two types of invisible ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. Both are known to cause skin cancer.

What are the warning signs of skin cancer?

While usually curable, skin cancer is a serious disease that can cause scarring and even death. Inspect your skin often (at least every 3 months) and if you see any of these warning signs, contact your doctor:

A new growth
Sudden or progressive change in a mole's appearance
A sore that doesn't heal
A mole, bump or nodule that is scaly, lumpy, crusting or bleeding, or takes on an irregular shape
Swelling, irritation, redness or spread of color into the skin near a mole, birthmark or freckle
Dark, freckle-like areas under a fingernail or toenail

Nonmelanoma cancers usually affect parts of the body that get the most sun, like forehead, nose or ears but melanomas can be anywhere on the body, even under the nails.

Hot Links!

View these Web sites for more information about sun safety.

The UV index measures how strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. Its purpose is to help people protect themselves from UV light.

Anne Arundel County Department of Health Links

Updated: 4.11.08

Let's work together to promote healthier living in Anne Arundel County.