“Don’t Fry Day” Reminds Everyone to Protect Your Skin Today and Every Day

Every year at this time, we hear doctors and health organizations pleading with sun worshippers to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation.   There’s a good reason why.  There are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, which is more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma incidence rates have been increasing for at least 30 years. Since 2004, incidence rates among whites have been increasing by almost 3% per year in both men and women.

To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day, May 25, 2012, as “Don’t Fry Day” to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.

While generous sunscreen usage (broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher) 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.

For more information about “Don’t Fry Day,” please also visit www.skincancerprevention.org . Remember – protect your skin today and every day!

 

 

This blog was provided by the American Cancer Society.