As we begin spending more time outdoors, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages you to protect your skin. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, can put you at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The good news is that it’s preventable.
To help prevent skin cancer:
- Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off
- Wear protective clothing
- Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, (long sleeves and pants when possible)
- Spend time in the shade
- Avoid peak sunlight hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
- Do regular skin self-exams
If you find something unusual on your skin, contact your health care provider. Finding skin cancer early improves the chances of it being treated successfully.
VDH offers a variety of resources and information about cancer. Learn more by visiting the VDH cancer resources page. For additional questions, please email cancer@vdh.virginia.gov.