Reducing Risklimit Sun Exposure - Chapter 3 Reducing Your Cancer Risk: Cancer

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Reducing risk-Limit sun exposure

Several decades ago, suntanned skin came to be associated with the leisure class rather than with farm laborers, and everyone was out to get that "healthy glow." But in truth, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. It is clear that too much sunlight can cause damage to the skin's DNA, leading to skin cancer. Overexposure to the sun is especially risky for children and adolescents. Sunburns cause permanent damage to DNA that can initiate cancer, but it may take decades before the malignancy actually develops. That's why sunburns early in life are more damaging than those experienced in old age: the cancer has more time to develop.

Try to avoid spending too much time in the sun at midday, when ultraviolet rays are the strongest. If you will be out in the sun, wear protective clothing and a hat. And don't forget to use sunscreen. Sunscreen comes in various strengths, labeled as SPF (solar protection factor). Always use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher, applying it generously to all exposed areas. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or perspiring heavily. Sun lamps and tanning booths should be avoided as well.

Last updated:	May 01, 2008