Skin Cancer Prevention Starts with You! Get the Facts About Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and worldwide. If you catch skin cancer early enough, you can be A-OK. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than 5 sunburns. Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. These are some things you can do to prioritize mental health. • Take five. Take a deep breath and relax. Even five minutes to take care of yourself can help. • Be active. Take a walk, stretch, or exercise. • Connect with others. Reach out to friends and family. Talk about your feelings with others. • Reach out to clergy or others in your faith community. • Get help from a professional. Talk to a healthcare provider about how you are feeling. Make an appointment with a counselor. • Unwind and enjoy your favorite activities. • Keep your mind and body healthy. Research shows that positive mental health is associated with better overall health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces your risk of melanoma by 50%. 9 Ways You Can Protect Your Skin 1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. 4. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. 2. Don’t get sunburned. 3. Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds. 5. Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months. 6. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 7. Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 8. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. 9. See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. ©2021 The Skin Cancer Foundation A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization [EIN: 13-2948778] For more information, visit SkinCancer.org
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