Learn more about the link between the sun’s rays and skin cancer, what you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones, and how to spot skin changes that may require a doctor’s attention.
How Do I Protect Myself from Ultraviolet (UV) Rays?
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most of this exposure comes from the sun, but some can come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds and sun lamps.
Sun Safety
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.
The Sun Is My Vice
We often speak of “vices” as something that’s okay because we do so many other things right. My vice damaged my skin.
Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun
Sun safety is always in season. It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather.
UV Radiation: Risks & Prevention
Taking steps to protect yourself from the sun is a year-round responsibility. Protect yourself and others from the sun with shade, a shirt, or sunblock (SPF 15+) all year long.
Tanning Beds & Melanoma
Like many young ladies, Amber was using tanning beds during her college years. 67 stitches later…
Skin cancer among gay and bisexual men: Why tanning beds may be to blame
Gay and bisexual men may also be at increased risk: Though research about cancer risks for the LGBTQ+ community is lacking, a 2020 study indicates that gay and bisexual men report skin cancer rates nearly twice that of heterosexual men.1 (Sexual minority women reported lower or equal rates of skin cancer compared with heterosexual women.)
What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer? Español (Spanish) Print Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma. A change in your skin is…
UV Safety Month
UV radiation, which is invisible, is emitted by the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Skin cells can be harmed by UV radiation. To learn more about UV radiation and sun safety, click here.