Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).
The UV Index forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.
Skin cancer is more common than all other types of cancer. Each year in the United States, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this brings attention to how sun safety can help prevent skin cancer. Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. CDC’s “What You Need to Know About Sun Safety” video (above) explains how to protect your skin from the sun, reduce your exposure to UV rays, and safely enjoy outdoor activities.
Source: CDC.gov