It’s summertime and Memorial Day, so chances are, you’re thinking about getting some sun, but are you taking proper precautions?

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it is one of the most common cancers (“Basal & Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Statistics”). There are 5.4 million cases diagnosed each year. The cases have been increasing each year due to more outside activity and more advanced skin cancer tests.

Skin cancer although common there are many ways to help prevent it. You can protect yourself from skin cancer by wearing sunscreen. In a survey conducted amongst my class about wearing sunscreen, most said that they did wear sunscreen. Sunscreen protects you from UV rays, which if exposed too long, can be extremely dangerous for your skin. When buying sunscreen, experts mostly suggest a broad spectrum. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from UVA and UBA rays, which produce sunburns.

Another good way of helping to avoid skin cancer is to avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning can expose you to high levels of UV rays, which is not healthy for your skin. Try a spray tan instead. 

An important thing to also do is regularly checking for cancerous moles each year. Skin cancer can take effect rapidly, so it’s important to look out for odd marks on your skin.

Finally, be sure that your sunglasses are UV protected and consider choosing larger frames to protect both your eyes and the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society