MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention encourage everyone to protect your skin today and every day.
To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated Friday, May 27 as ‘Don’t Fry Day’ to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
Because no single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, follow as many of the following tips as possible:
- Do Not Burn or Tan
- Seek Shade
- Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
- Generously Apply Sunscreen
- Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
- Get Vitamin D Safely
As warm weather approaches and millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors, the risk for UV damage of the skin increases. Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 73,870 new cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than two million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in the U.S.
“While we experience just over 20 cases of malignant melanoma per year in Chautauqua County, the rate of this form of cancer is higher than the state average,” said Christine Schuyler, Director of Health and Human Services. “Because of our long winters, we sometimes forget that we’re all at risk for skin cancer. We are not immune, but there are several steps we can each take to prevent this disease.”
Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. Remember to Slip! Slop! Slap!…and Wrap when you’re outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on sunglasses. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.
Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, plenty of moles or freckles, or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer as well. To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, protection from intense UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.
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