Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States — in fact, it’s more common than all other cancers combined. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 90% of cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from excessive sun exposure. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and take steps to lower your risk.
Skin cancer — also called melanoma — can present warning signs such as irregular moles, unhealing sores and moles that have undergone visible changes. While anyone can get skin cancer, some factors may increase your risk, such as:
- Light skin tone
- Moles
- Skin that burns easily
- Light-colored eyes
- A history of skin cancer
Though skin cancer is prevalent, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Knowing the dangers of unprotected UV exposure and taking steps to protect yourself and those around you can save lives.
The Dangers of Skin Cancer
There’s more danger to unprotected UV exposure than sunburn. Here are a few skin cancer facts to keep in mind:
- Being sunburnt more than five times doubles your risk of skin cancer.
- Melanoma can spread to other body parts by invading nearby tissue.
- Melanoma becomes more difficult to treat after spreading deeper into the skin or reaching other parts of the body.
- Severe cases of skin cancer may require reconstructive surgery.
- Long-term effects of skin cancer may include scarring, hyperpigmentation, muscle damage and lymphedema.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Limiting your exposure to harmful UV rays is the most effective step you can take to lower your risk of melanoma. It’s important to wear sunscreen outdoors and stay in the shade when you can.
Commercial shade structures play an important role in preventing skin cancer by allowing people to enjoy the outdoors while avoiding excessive sun exposure. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) shade structures deliver the following benefits:
- Air-circulating fabric
- Temperature reduction properties
- Protective fabric that blocks up to 97% of UV rays
- Steel designed to endure 90+ mile per hour (mph) winds, depending on city codes
- Low-maintenance construction
- Architectural and aesthetic value
