But, unfortunately, it is the time when people will voluntarily greatly increase their risk of developing skin cancer. There are some very sobering statistics about skin cancer. Over 900,000 new cases of highly curable basal cell and squamous cell cancers are predicted per year. Melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening skin cancer, will be diagnosed in about 40,300 persons in 1997, and the trend appears to be increasing. Each hour, one American will die of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is very serious, but also very preventable.
A conscientious effort to protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun will go a long way toward staying health. Apply to ALL sun- exposed areas about a half hour before going out and reapply frequently. Water-resistant and waterproof sunscreens will last somewhat longer, but it doesn't hurt to reapply often anyway. Don't forget hands, tops of feet, ears, bald scalp, back of neck and lips. Use about one ounce for total coverage of an an average body.