Skin cancer

Excessive exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays are the two types of UV rays that can damage a person’s skin and eyes. Long-term effects of exposure may also include premature aging and wrinkling. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing skin cancer:

• A personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Abnormal moles (atypical moles), or moles larger than 6mm (0.2 in), about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Fair skin that burns or freckles easily.

Avoiding skin cancer can be as simple as protecting your skin and taking a good look at it regularly. Experts recommend that you use multiple methods to fully protect your skin.

• Stay out of the sun during the peak hours of UV radiation, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing with tightly woven fabric and hats that protect the face and neck.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher throughout the year on both cloudy and clear days.