UV Safety Month

Submitted May 8, 2012 - 13:43
Observed in: 
July

Summer is in full swing! Hopefully you’re enjoying the warm weather and finding some fun family activities to enjoy outdoors while school is out. If you and your family share many outdoor sports and hobbies, it can be tempting to stay outside rather than indoors. On the other hand, if you live in climates that become too hot for comfort, like Arizona, you may naturally limit your time in order to cool off in the air conditioning. However you enjoy your fun in the sun, we invite you to honor UV Safety Month, as sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. 

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in a lifetime and 40-50% Americans who live at least to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. Approximately 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are linked with exposure to UV radiation from the sun (as cited by the Skin Cancer Foundation).

The National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion suggest other research-based preventative steps you can take to lower your risk of skin cancer:

  • Reduce unprotected exposure to the sun and artificial light from tanning beds, tanning booths, and sun lamps.
  • Avoid sunburns, intermittent high-intensity exposure, and other damage from these sources, especially in children and teens, to reduce the chances of getting melanoma skin cancer.
  • Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
  • Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.

Have fun in the sun safely! For more information, visit:

American Academy of Ophthalmology - www.aao.org

Skin Cancer Foundation. (2011). Skin Cancer Facts. Retrieved June 19, 2011 from the Skin Cancer Foundation Web site: http://www.skincancer.org/Skin-Cancer-Facts/

U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institue. (2010). Cancer Trends Progress Report- 2009/2010 Update. Retrieved June 19, 2011 from the National Cancer Institute Web site: http://progressreport.cancer.gov/doc_detail.asp?pid=1&did=2009&chid=91&coid=911&mid=