Download free Adobe Acrobat Reader
to view the PDF documents on this site.

                                                           Prevention

                 There is a lot you can do to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer;
                                    and believe it or not……still enjoy time outdoors!

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

The sun's rays, which are called ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays (UVA and UVB rays) damage your skin. This damage can lead to early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems.  Being in the sun often over time, even if you don't burn, can lead to skin cancer.

Simply experiencing one blistering sunburn can double a child's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Kids spend a significant amount of time outdoors and may not think about protecting themselves from the sun.  Even parents may not know that sunscreen can greatly reduce the chance that a child will develop skin cancer.  Childhood is a very important time to teach sun safety and can significantly help to prevent skin cancer in later years.

First let's look at the risk factors for skin cancer.  A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer.

A number of things may put you at higher risk of having skin cancer some day:

• A family history of melanoma;
• Fair skin, rd or blond hair;
• Light-colored eyes;
• Sun burns easily;
• A lot of moles, freckles or birthmarks;
• Frequent time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. without skin protection;
• Being in the sun a lot as a child;
• One or more severe blistering sunburns as a child or teenager; and,
• Tanning in the sun or in a tanning salon.

The most important step you can take to prevent skin cancer is to avoid spending a lot of time in the sun. Prevention must begin in childhood. That's because most people get about 50% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.

• Do not sunbathe
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Seek shade (trees and umbrellas ca help block the sun).
• Use sunscreens rated 15 or higher
  - Apply often and use generously
  - Select a sunscreen that provides "broad spectrum" protection against both kinds of UV radiation in sunlight, UVA and UVB.
• Cover Up - wear...
  - long pants when possible;
  - Long-sleeve shirts;
  - broad-brimmed hats; and
  - UV-protective sunglases
• Stay away from tanning booths.

Sunscreen

Use sunscreen whenever you or you child will be in the sun.

Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside.  Remember lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders and behind the neck too. Use a lot of sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every two to three hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply  if you have been sweating or swimming. Use waterproof sunscreen when swimming.  Water (and other reflective surfaces like snow) makes the sun's rays even stronger. Note:  Some medications can also increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays – consult with your doctor. Remember, the sun can be harmful all year around, not just during summer.  Check your skin yourself every month for signs of skin cancer (see detection section). If you see an area on your skin that looks unusual, follow up with your doctor. Prevention is the key…do it today!

Kids Corner

Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age.  The damage that leads to adult skin cancers starts in childhood.

The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation is committed to working with children to promote the awareness of our most precious assets, our children.

Working with the Coalition for Skin Cancer Prevention in Maryland, the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation has co-sponsored the annual sun-safe poster contest and other awareness programs.

Refer to the Coalition’s website www.sunguardman.org for programs designed specifically for children. 

The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation
...the voice for melanoma prevention, detection, care and cure.