SkinCancerNet Article
Dermatologists Encourage Sports Fans to "Be Sun Smart
SM"

The many hours spent in the midday sun cheering for a favorite athlete or team puts fans at risk for skin cancer, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects 1 in 5 Americans. Dermatologists say sports fans can still enjoy watching an outdoor sport. Just be sure to protect your skin from the sun by following the Be Sun SmartSM guidelines:

  • Generously apply water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ on products that meet these criteria.

  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.

  • Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.

  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

  • Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

  • Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. Following the Be Sun SmartSM guidelines can reduce this risk.


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Page last updated 2/26/08

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