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May is Melanoma Skin Cancer Awareness Month. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime; 13 million Americans are living with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer; and nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. But there’s good news – since this is a lifestyle disease, it’s highly preventable!  

Tips to reduce your risk of skin cancer:

1. Seek the Shade.
Especially between 10 AM – 4 PM when the sun is the strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the “shadow rule”. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s harmful UV radiation is stronger; if your shadow is taller than you, UV radiation is less intense.

2. Don’t burn!
A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he/she has had 5 or more sunburns at any point in life.

3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans, and the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer by 15 percent.

4. Cover up with clothing.
This includes a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Also wear a swimsuit cover-up when you can. These help protect your face, body, eyes and scalp.

5. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen every day.

  • Make sure it is 15 SPF or higher.
  • For extended outdoor activity use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher.
  • Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

6. Keep newborns out of the sun.
If they are 6 months or older, use sunscreen on them, and also protect them by shade and clothing. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation.

7. Examine your skin.
Do a head-to-toe self-examination every month. Follow this up with a doctor’s visit at least once per year or anytime you notice anything strange.

Christy Garrett is the Marketing & Business Development Director for with QualChoice Health Insurance.