Take Steps to Prevent Skin Cancer

The Basics: Overview

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

To protect your skin:

• Stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves, long pants or a skirt, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Avoid indoor tanning.

Why do I need to protect my skin?

Protecting your skin today may help prevent skin cancer later in life. Most skin cancer appears after age 50, but skin damage from the- sun can start during childhood.

Taking steps to prevent skin cancer may also help prevent:

• Wrinkles
• Blotches or spots on your skin
• Other damage to your skin and eyes