Many moles on your body, irregular moles, or large moles
Family history – blood relatives who have had skin cancer
Behaviors
History of sunburns – just two severe sunburns as a child or adolescent doubles your risk of developing melanoma later in life
Repeated sun exposure without adequate sun protection during outdoor work or play
History of using tanning beds
Ways to Decrease Your Risk:
Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds If you want to look tan, use a sunless self-tanning product. There is no such thing as a safe base tan, a tan is evidence of skin damage.
Do Not Burn
Remember to use sunscreen every day, in every season, even if it’s cloudy, because Ultraviolet (UV) rays go through clouds all year long. Be aware that UVA rays go through car windows and can burn or damage your skin.
Generously Apply Sunscreen
Use at least 1 ounce with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, which provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen according to the product’s label. Remember, after swimming or sweating, your sunscreen will need to be reapplied. Most are water resistant but not waterproof.
Wear Protective Clothing
Long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection will protect your skin and help prevent cataracts.
Seek Shade
When your shadow is shorter than you are, remember that the sun’s rays are the strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Try to plan your activities to limit time in the midday sun and find the shade of trees, umbrellas, and buildings whenever possible.
Skin cancer is the most common but the most PREVENTABLE cancer.
Wicomico County Health Department will do age appropriate presentations. This includes children aged 3 to 18, parents, teachers and caregivers at daycare centers. Presentations feature free incentives such as UV detector bracelets, sunscreen samples, pencil pouches, activity booklets, and more!
Would you like to have a nurse speak at your event or group about sun safety and skin cancer prevention? Call 410-548-5175 to schedule a presentation.