Skin Cancer
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. (1)
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year. (5)
• One in 5 Americans and one in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. (3)
• More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
• A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. (2)

UVA/UVB radiation
What is radiation?
The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation that is divided into categories based on the
Wavelength.
• UVC - 100 to 290 nm*
• UVB - 290 to 320 nm
• UVA - 320 to 400 nm


UVA
• UVA was once thought to have a minor effect on skin damage, but now studies are showing that UVA is a major contributor to skin damage. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently.
• The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year.
• UVA is not filtered by glass.
• UV-A can be further subdivided into UV-A I, or far UV-A (340-400 nm), and UV-A II, or near UV-A (320-340 nm).

UVB
- UVB affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns. It is the most intense between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sunlight is brightest.
• It is more intense in the summer months accounting for 70% of a person's yearly UVB dose.
• UVB does not penetrate glass.

Prevention Tips
• Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam