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The Surgeon General’s Call to Action – Prevent Skin Cancer!
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
The most common types of skin cancer are:
- Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas: highly curable but can be disfiguring and costly to treat.
- Melanoma: third most common, but the most serious and deadliest form.
The majority of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and is thought to cause 90% of Melanoma cases.
Melanoma is the second most common type of cancer in teenagers and young adults and is also the leading cause of cancer death in women 25 - 30 years old.
Every time you tan you increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma.
UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Tanned skin is damaged skin.
There is no such thing as a “safe tan”
Sun Safety Tips:
Use Sunscreen: Use a “broad spectrum” SPF 30 or higher. Reapply often.
Cover Up: Use protective clothing like hats, long sleeves and sunglasses.
Seek Shade: Use umbrellas and seek shady areas. Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.
Say No to Tanning Beds: Indoor tanning and outside tanning are both dangerous.
Self Examine and Visit your Dermatologist Regularly: Check your skin once a month – be aware of any changes with your skin. If you notice birthmarks, freckles, moles or spots that change, itch, bleed or don’t go away contact your doctor or talk with your parent or trusted adult.
Protect your skin: “A truly healthy glow is your natural skin color” cdc.gov
Additional information:
https://melanoma.org/melanoma-education/education-institute/educational-literature/