REDUCING THE RISK
Small steps that make a lasting difference
There is no single way to prevent skin cancer, but practical sun-safety habits help to protect your skin. Taking care when you’re outdoors, especially in strong sunlight, can minimize cumulative UV damage.
Follow the golden rule of sun safety
Before heading outdoors, this simple phrase makes it easy to remember the essentials for UV protection:
- Slip on a shirt – Wear sun-protective clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Slop on sunscreen – Apply broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 30 or higher.
- Slap on a hat – Select a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears, and neck.
- Wrap on sunglasses – Wear UV400 or broad-spectrum lenses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap — a simple rule to help keep you and your family protected.
Practical ways to minimize UV exposure
Avoid indoor tanning
Tanning beds emit high-intensity UV radiation. Regular use markedly increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer, particularly when started before age 30.
Protect children early
Children have sensitive skin and spend significant time outdoors. Establishing sun-safety habits early can provide lifelong protective benefits.
Shield high-exposure areas
Your face, scalp, and ears receive constant sunlight. A wide-brimmed hat provides essential physical coverage for these delicate spots.
Wear UV400 sunglasses
UV rays can damage delicate eye tissue. Lenses that block both UVA and UVB rays protect against long-term ocular damage.
Choose UPF-rated apparel
Standard fabrics don’t always block UV rays effectively. Garments rated UPF 50+ offer reliable, built-in barrier protection.
Protect frequently missed spots
The backs of hands receive year-round sunlight. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to keep these areas protected.
Avoid prolonged peak sun
Extended time in strong sunlight leads to sunburns, which cause cellular damage. Limit direct exposure when the UV Index is high.
Opt for lightweight, woven fabrics
Tightly woven, breathable fabrics keep you covered and comfortable while maintaining effective UV protection on warm days.
Utilize natural shade
Tree canopy, umbrellas, and structures significantly reduce direct UV radiation during peak outdoor hours.
Maintain protection on overcast days
Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover. Keep up your sun-safety habits even when the weather is cool or cloudy.
Share sun-safe habits
Encouraging friends and family to practice sun safety builds healthy outdoor routines across your community.
Support overall skin resilience
Maintaining general health supports your body’s natural cellular repair mechanisms after environmental exposure.
Skin cancer screenings support
early detection
Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks make it easier to spot a new or changing lesion. If a spot exhibits unusual characteristics, your clinician will determine whether further evaluation or removal is appropriate.
Note: Proactively removing benign moles does not prevent skin cancer, as skin cancers often develop in previously normal skin rather than pre-existing moles.