| When summer arrives, it can be a drag having to | | | | including one by the Dartmouth Medical School, |
| think about skin cancer and sun safety. But, you | | | | indicated that tanning bed users had a higher risk |
| know you should. According to the National | | | | of certain types of skin cancer. |
| Cancer Institute there were over one million new | | | | 2. TRUE OR FALSE: Fair-skinned people are the |
| cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in 2009 and | | | | only ones with a higher risk of skin cancer? |
| 68,720 cases of melanoma skin cancer, the more | | | | False. Fair-skinned people produce less melanin, a |
| deadly form. | | | | pigment which helps to protect the skin from the |
| Fortunately, most types of skin cancer – the | | | | sun's rays. So, they're more at risk for skin |
| most common form of cancer in the world - can | | | | problems, including skin cancer. However, that |
| be prevented with easy sun safety methods. But, | | | | doesn't mean that darker-skinned people are safe; |
| how much do you know about protecting your | | | | they should still protect their skin. |
| skin? Test your knowledge in Core Content | | | | Also, the American Cancer Society states that if |
| Media's Skin Cancer and Sun Safety Quiz. | | | | you are an athlete, work outdoors, have an |
| Start testing your knowledge with these question: | | | | autoimmune disease like lupus, or have freckles or |
| 1. TRUE OR FALSE: Sunscreen is the only sun | | | | irregular moles, your risk for skin cancer may also |
| protection you need? | | | | be higher. |
| False. Sunscreen may be your best defense | | | | 3. TRUE OR FALSE: A sunscreen with a sun |
| against damaging UVA and UVB rays. But, | | | | protection factor (SPF) 15 is all you need? |
| according to the American Academy of | | | | True and false. If you're just sitting around |
| Dermatology, you need a little more than the | | | | outside near a shaded area, SPF 15 will get the |
| creamy stuff for full protection. You should avoid | | | | job done. But if you're outside for a long period of |
| peak sunlight, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. | | | | time, or working or playing in the sun, go for a |
| Wear lip balm and sunglasses, and if you'll be | | | | sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Also, according |
| outside for a while, wearing sun-protective clothing | | | | to Cancer Research UK, children have sensitive |
| and a wide-brimmed hat is a good idea. Seek out | | | | skin so they are more likely to burn; a higher SPF |
| shade whenever you can. Also keep your tanning | | | | is a better choice for them. |
| bed sessions to a minimum. Several studies, | | | | |