Skin Cancer

Despite skin cancer being largely preventable, it remains by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are over two million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, which is more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined.

This year, the National Council urges everyone to think beyond sunscreen to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. While generous sunscreen usage is an important way to protect your skin from the sun, there are additional sun safety measures that can help prevent skin cancer:

  • Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds;
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses;
  • Seek shade;
  • Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand;
  • Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements.

The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone “Slip! Slop! Slap!®...and Wrap” - slip on a shirt; slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher; slap on a hat; and wrap on sunglasses.

The UV Index forecast is a helpful resource to learn your daily risk of overexposure to the sun. The UV Index forecasts the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). Simply log on to the EPA website at http://epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex to see the National UV map, download a free UV Index widget for your website, or download a free mobile application for your smart phone.

For more information, including how to use the UV Index to plan outdoor activities, visit the National Council's site at http://www.SkinCancerPrevention.org For additional information, contact the Bergen County Cancer Coalition Coordinators at 201-634-2870 or  201-634-2704.

The Bergen County Cancer Coalition is funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services' Office of Cancer Control and Prevention (OCCP). For more information on Comprehensive Cancer Control in New Jersey, please visit the Office of Cancer Control and Prevention

As many county residents head outdoors for family fun on Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial kick-off to summer – “Don't Fry Day” is an important reminder for the public to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation while enjoying the outdoors.

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