The summer sun season is approaching and while the sun provides warmth and light, overexposure can damage skin and eyes. The effects of sun damage include wrinkling, freckling, tanning, burning, cataracts, and skin cancer.

Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the U.S. with more than one million new cases diagnosed each year. It also is of one of the fastest rising cancers and has reached epidemic proportions in the Southwest.

Risk Factors

Factors that contribute to your risk of skin cancer include:

• Family History People with a family history of skin cancer have a greater risk of developing it.
• Physical Characteristics People with fair skin and light blue or green eyes and those with red or blond hair and freckle easily are at greater risk.
• Environment People who live, work, or play closer to the equator, at higher altitudes, and in locations with many dry, sunny days have a higher risk of sun exposure, sunburn, and skin cancer. Mountains have some of the most intense ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Control Exposure

Most skin cancer is caused by over exposure to UV. Reducing sun exposure and sun protections can help prevent skin cancer. Here are some steps to take to protect yourself against skin cancer:

• Access Daily UV Index The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have developed the UV index which indicates the likely level of exposure to UV rays for a particular city on a given day. The scale of 0 to 10 indicates a minimal level of exposure while 10+ means a very high level of exposure. Access the daily UV index forecast via the Internet (www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov, click on Stratosphere), or your local newspaper.
• Limit Time in the Sun Avoid the intense UV rays that occur between the hours of 11 a.m.-3 p.m. If you must be outdoors, stay in the shaded and use sun screen.
• Wear Cover Up Clothing Wear clothing that covers most of the skin, choose tightly knit fabrics, heavier-weight, and darker fabrics. Wear hats and protective eye wear.
• Use Sun Screen Every day! Choose a sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Choose waterproof, broad spectrum sun screens that block UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Reapply every two hours after swimming or sweating. Use more sun screen than you think you need and apply liberally over all exposed skin areas.

Skin Cancer Detection

Special "sun cameras" can photograph the skin and dramatically highlight damage undetectable to the human eye. There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Regular skin exams by you and your physician can help detect cancerous areas. Skin cancer is curable and preventable.

The sun is fun ...but it can be dangerous. Using proper skin protection steps year 'round can help prevent skin cancer and other sun damage.

AMC Cancer Research Center, 1600 Pierce St., Denver, CO 80214; 800-321-1557; www.amc.org. This organization has available a free sun-safe guide for schools and childcare programs.

Skin Cancer Foundation, PO Box 561, New York, New York 10156; 800-SKIN-490; www.skincancer.org.