Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer

Introduction

Excessive exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. You can reduce your risk for skin cancer by:

• Protecting your skin, and that of your family members, from UV radiation.
• Performing frequent skin self-examinations.
• Finding out whether you have an increased risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

 What do I need to know about ultraviolet radiation and my skin?
 Why is it necessary to protect the skin?
 How do I protect my skin from UV radiation and skin cancer?
 Where to go from here?

Return to topic:

• Skin Cancer, Melanoma
• Skin Cancer, Non-melanoma

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH Carrie Henley	Last Updated: March 23, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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