Module 12: Principles
of Prevention
Objective: Learn
sun-safe behaviors.
As you learned in module
11, limiting exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can help
prevent skin cancer. The bad news is that most Americans do not protect
themselves from UV rays. They let themselves tan and burn even though both
tanning and burning raise their risk of skin cancer.
To prevent skin cancer,
you need to protect yourself from the sun's ultraviolet rays. You need to
do it reliably and for your whole life.
Here are ways to
protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun:
1) Look for Shade
 The
sun's UV rays are strongest during the middle of the day. This is when
they do the most damage. So it's best to avoid direct sun between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m. Get under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need
relief from the sun. But remember: UV rays can reflect off almost any
surface, including sand, snow, and concrete. And reflected rays can reach
you in the shade. What's your best bet to protect your skin and lips? Use
sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you are outside, even in the
shade.
2)
Cover Up
 Clothes
can help protect your skin against the sun's UV rays. Loose-fitting
long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric are
best. Darker colors may protect better than lighter colors. And a dry
t-shirt protects much better than a wet one.
Dressing for sun
protection doesn't have to be a big chore. You just need to know your
options and use them. At least try to wear a t-shirt or a beach cover-up
if long sleeves and pants aren't practical. But keep this in mind: Most
t-shirts have a rating much lower than the recommended SPF 15. [See more
on SPF under "4) Rub It On" below.] So put sunscreen on under
your t-shirt, as well as on exposed skin. And stay in the shade when you
can.
3)
Get a Hat
 Hats
can help shield you from the sun's UV rays. Choose a hat that shades all
of your head and neck. For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all
the way around. The brim should shade your face, ears, and back of your
neck. If you wear a baseball cap, you still need to protect your ears and
the back of your neck. Wear clothing that covers those areas, use
sunscreen, or stay in the shade.
A tightly woven fabric
like canvas protects best. Try to avoid straw hats with holes that let
sunlight through.
4)
Rub It On
 Sunscreens
help prevent problems that come from too much sun. Most sunscreens
interact with the skin to absorb, reflect, or scatter the sun's rays.
Sun Protection
Factor (SPF)
All sunscreens have a
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number. The SPF number tells how well the
sunscreen protects from UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more
protection. As a rule of thumb, always use a sunscreen with at least SPF
15. Check the label to make sure your sunscreen also blocks UVA rays. (See
module 6, "Ultraviolet Radiation" for
more about different types of UV rays.)
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Types of Sunscreens
Sunscreens come in
lotions, gels, sprays, and other forms. So there are plenty of options.
There are also sunscreens for special skin types, like oily or sensitive
skin. There are sunscreens you can wear when you sweat or go in the water.
A spray might be best
for hard-to-reach areas. A dry "sport" lotion might be best when
you know you're going to sweat. And an oil-free gel might be best where
you tend to break out. Whatever type of sunscreen you choose, be sure that
it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. And be sure it offers at least SPF 15.
Using Sunscreen
Wisely
Follow the directions
on the package when you put on your sunscreen. Otherwise, you may not get
the protection you think you're getting. Today's sunscreens hold up better
through sweating and getting wet than older sunscreens did. But you should
still reapply sunscreen often. Do this especially during peaks sun hours
or after swimming or sweating.
Keep this in mind:
Sunscreen is not meant to let you spend more time in the sun than you
would otherwise. And it's important to use other sun protection options
together with sunscreen: cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and look for
shade.
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5)
Grab Shades
 Sunglasses
protect your eyes from UV rays. They also protect the tender skin around
your eyes from the sun. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays are
best. Most sunglasses sold in the United States meet this standard.
Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they keep UV rays from sneaking
in from the side.
6)
Avoid Tanning Beds
 Any
source of UV rays can damage your skin and raise your risk of skin cancer.
This is true whether it's the sun or a bulb at a tanning salon.
7)
Watch the UV Index
 The
UV Index comes out daily in cities across the United States. You have
already visited a website that can help you track this index. Newspapers
often publish the local UV Index, as well. Remember that the UV Index is
only a guideline. Not everyone can stay safely in the sun for the same
amount of time. Always consider your skin type. And plan to protect
yourself.
Sun-safe habits
shouldn't keep you from enjoying the outdoors. It just takes a little
planning and the right gear. Then you can have fun outside doing something
good for your body and safe for your skin.
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Links to Learn More
 See
the winners of CDC's 2001 Choose Your Cover and Seventeen Magazine
Photo Contest http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover/
contest.htm
Test how much you've
learned. Visit CDC's Choose Your Cover Q+A page http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover/
qanda.htm
Go to an open caption recording**
of "Sun-Safe Savvy" [ or read
lyrics ]. Courtesy of California Department of Health Services, Skin
Cancer Prevention Program. [**NOTE: RealPlayer is needed to
listen to this song. If you don't already have it installed on your
computer, you can download a free copy at http://www.real.com.*]
Learn more about how to
protect yourself from "solar assault" at
http://www.ca5aday.com/programs/skin/skin.htm*
Questions
- Describe
something you can do to be sun-safe. What things encourage you to do
this? (These are called positive forces.) What things discourage you
from doing it? (These are called negative forces.)
- Are the
negative forces you described physical or emotional barriers?
- What are
some ways to break through these barriers?
- What creates
these barriers? Do they come from personal, social, or cultural factors?
See Answers to Questions
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Back
to Skin Cancer Home
* Links to
non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links
do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal
Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the
content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
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