Summertime is all about fun in the sun, but the team at Galen wants to caution you about sun safety. July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and for good reason. Maybe you’re spending time at the pool with the family, or maybe you’re tending your garden on the weekends under the harsh sun. No matter what you do outdoors, it’s imperative that you actively practice sun safety, and teach your children to do the same.

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Let that sink in.

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
• Having 5 of more sunburns doubles your risk for developing melanoma.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour.
• The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%– when detected early.

According to the American Cancer Society, the root cause of most skin cancers is ultra-violet (UV) radiation exposure. This is why it’s imperative to limit your sun exposure, practice sun safety by wearing protective gear from sunscreen to long sleeves to hats, and be aware of the risks as they pertain to you and your family. Below are some things you can do to practice sun safety during the summer months, and ideally all year long!

Protect Yourself From the Sun’s Harmful Rays

1. Avoid tanning beds!

2. Wear sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of at least 30.– At Galen Dermatology we recommend and sell EltaMD sunscreen products. This brand offers a variety of sunscreens formulated for all skin types and lifestyles.

3. Remember the sun’s rays are most powerful during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm, so limit your exposure during that window.

4. Educate yourself about skin cancer and it’s warning signs, so you can conduct self-examinations of your skin.

5. Wear protective clothing when you’ll be outdoors for extended periods of time– pants, long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, and hats to shade your face and shoulders.

6. Seek shade when you can to offer more protection from the sun.

7. See a dermatologist yearly, or more if you’re high risk, to ensure early detection of anything potentially cancerous. Learn more about our Galen Dermatology team, and how they can help keep you safe from skin cancer.

Want to test your skin cancer knowledge? Head on over, and take the Sun Safety Quiz created by the American Cancer Society. Maybe you’ll just confirm what you already know, but perhaps you might learn something new that could save your life! During the month of July, take some time to study up about UV safety and skin cancer– because the more you know, the safer you can be.