Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, although tanning booths or sunlamps also emit UV radiation. Melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer.
The good news? Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it early on.
Here are just a few ideas to prevent or detect skin cancer:
- Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Put on sunscreen every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat.
- Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
- Check your skin regularly for changes.
