Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

There are many risk factors for developing melanoma. The risk factor you can best control to reduce your risk of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

To help prevent skin cancer:

• Protect your skin.
  • Stay out of the sun during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim to shade your ears and neck, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders, and pants. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out.
  • Use a sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 15. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun's rays-UVA and UVB.
  • Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations.
  • Set a good example for your children by protecting your skin from too much sun.
  • Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that your risk of melanoma increases by 75% if you start using artificial tanning before you are 30 years old.³
• Examine your skin regularly, and have your doctor check your skin during all other health exams, or at least once a year.

For more information, see:

Skin Cancer: Protecting Your Skin.

People who burn rather than tan, especially those who have red hair or blue eyes, also have a high risk and should take extra precautions to prevent melanoma.

For more information about prevention of melanoma, see the following topics:

• Skin Cancer Prevention, Melanoma - Patient Information [NCI PDQ]
• Skin Cancer Prevention, Melanoma - Health Professional Information [NCI PDQ]