Cancer and sun safety: protecting your skin during summer months

Wearing sunscreen and implementing safe sun practices into your daily routine are some of the most important ways you can protect your skin; especially during the summer. While it’s important to use sun protection year-round, it becomes increasingly necessary during the summertime, when UV rays are stronger and we spend more time outdoors.  

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). To put this into perspective, almost 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every single day. While staying out of the sun entirely is the most effective way to reduce skin cancer risks, it's nearly an impossible ask. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to optimize your fun in the sun while staying protected. 

Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of SPF 15 reduces the risk of skin cancers by upwards of 50%. A higher SPF of 30 or more is recommended for outdoor activities that require extended periods of time spent in the sun. Along with reducing cancer risks, wearing sunscreen prevents premature skin aging, such as wrinkling, sagging and age spots. 

In addition to applying sun protection to your skin directly, the AAD recommends taking extra precautions to further protect your skin. One of these precautions you can take is wearing a hat while outside. The best type of hat you can wear is one that has a brim that goes all the way around the hat; it will protect not only your face but your neck and ears. While wearing a baseball cap can protect your face, it leaves your neck and ears exposed to the sun. 

Another thing you can do is wear sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses protect not only your eyes from harmful UV rays but also the skin around them. Those with thicker frames are best because they cover more surface area around your eyes. 

Your clothing is particularly important in protecting your skin from the sun. Although the extreme heat brought by the summer months can make it difficult, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants will protect you the most. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as it can block up to 98% of the sun's harmful rays. Wearing bright or dark-colored clothing is advised as it provides more protection than lighter colors. Shoe choice is also important. Shoes that cover your feet are recommended, however; when wearing sandals or no shoes at all, sun protection should be applied. 

Protecting your skin from cancer is hard, especially during the summer. If you notice any concerning skin changes or any new spots, you should see a board-certified dermatologist. 

To schedule a screening with one of our dermatologists, contact us at 210-450-9840 or request an appointment online at cancer.uthscsa.edu/appointments. 

To learn helpful tips and information about sun safety, check out our YouTube channel. 

For more information about skin cancer screenings and detection tips, please visit our skin cancer prevention page.