DALLAS – Aug. 1, 2016 – As temperatures peak this summer, UT Southwestern cancer specialists remind you to protect your skin.

Skin cancer, caused by damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun, is the most common of all cancers in the U.S. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most preventable forms of the disease.

“Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, but skin cancer’s incidence rates continue to rise,” says Dr. Rohit Sharma, a surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center who specializes in melanoma and soft-tissue sarcoma.

To be safe in the sun, Dr. Sharma recommends:

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a SPF of at least 30.
• Be sure to use enough sunscreen for adequate protection. The skin should be reasonably saturated to assure an adequate amount has been applied—typically a shot glass full for lotions.
• Pay attention to the water resistant profile of the individual sunscreen. When exercising or swimming, you will need to observe this time frame for reapplication. At a minimum, reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. This applies to both lotions and sprays. Avoid tanning outdoors and tanning beds indoors. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling. Use a sunless self-tanning product instead.
• Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, sunglasses, and a hat that shades the face.

Seek shade and remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Media Contact: 214-648-3404 or news@utsouthwestern.edu