Summer is here, and that means fun in the sun, and with such a variety of recreational activities we often forget that we live in the desert. A sunburn or tan will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. So before you head out this summer, practice some of these sun safety tips.

Sun Safety Tips

• Don’t Burn - Five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing skin cancer.
  
  
• Avoid Tanning - UV light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.
  
  
• Wear Sunscreen Daily - Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using at least SPF 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming and sweating, even on cloudy days.
  
  
• Wear Protective Clothing – When outdoors wear clothes that cover your skin, such as long sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
  
  
• Seek Shade - Relaxing under the shade when outdoors is an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful weather without the risk of a sun burn. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  
  
• Caution: Reflective Surfaces Dangerous – Water, snow and sand can reflect the suns damaging rays, which can increase your risk of sunburn.
  
  
• Know the UV Index - The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities. The UV Index is usually given daily during the weather forecast of your local news.

Signs of Skin Cancer

Know What to Look For - If you notice any of the following changes in moles on your skin tell your doctor right away.

• Asymmetry: Draw a line through the mole. If the two halves don’t match, then they’re asymmetrical. In a normal mole the two halves will match.
  
  
• Border: The border of your mole should be even. An uneven border could be an early sign of melanoma.
  
  
• Color: Your mole should be one shade of one color. Your mole should not be a variety of colors or several different shades of brown, tan or black. Melanomas may also become red, white or blue.
  
  
• Diameter: Melanomas are usually bigger than a pencil eraser, but can be smaller when first detected.
  
  
• Evolving: If your mole changes in any way, such as its shape, color, or elevation and/or begins to bleed, itch or crust you should see your doctor.

Some melanomas do not fit the ABCDE rules described above, so it’s important for you to notice changes in your skin, such as markings or new spots.

Other warning signs are:

• A sore that does not heal
• A new growth
• Spread of pigment from the border of a spot to surrounding skin
• Redness or a new swelling beyond the border
• Change in sensation – itchiness, tenderness or pain

For more information on sun safety visit the Cancer webpage. The Nevada Cancer Institute also provides community presentations on the topic. For more information call a Community Health Educator at 822-LIFE.