Friday, May 28 is designated “Don’t Fry Day†by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, and the Oswego County Health Department is reminding people to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,†said Dr. Dennis Norfleet, Oswego County Public Health Director. “Long-term, unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays, even on cloudy days, causes up to 90 percent of all skin cancer.â€
One in five American children will grow up to develop skin cancer. Melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15 to 29 years old. It is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It is estimated that one American dies every hour from melanoma.
“As the unofficial start of summer begins Memorial Day weekend, it is important for people use their heads and protect them along with the rest of their skin,†said Dr. Norfleet. “In the same way we teach our children to wear bike helmets, we can also teach them to wear wide-brimmed hats. One catchy way to remember sun safety is ‘Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.’ Have fun in the shade between the hours of 10 and 4.â€
- Slip on a shirt;
- Slop on some sunscreen, at least SPF 15 or higher;
- Slap on wide-brimmed hat; and
- Wrap on sunglasses.
For more information on how to protect your skin from the summer sun, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention web site at www.skincancerprevention.org
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