Skin Cancer Prevention & Early Detection

Skin Cancer Prevention

• Avoid the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, and don’t use sun lamps or tanning beds.
• Always use sunscreen and lip balm with UVB and UVA protection with SPF 30 or more, even on cloudy days.
• Apply an ounce of sunscreen—a palm full—20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours if in continuous sun.
• Wear sunglasses that have been treated to absorb UV radiation, a wide brim hat, and clothing made of tightly woven material with long sleeves.
• Protect children from the sun. Childhood sunburns may increase the risk of melanoma later in life.

Skin Cancer Early Detection

• Look at your skin once a month. Tell your health care professional about any changes.
• Have your health care professional examine your skin once a year after age 50.