How Does Sun Exposure and Sunburns Contribute to Skin Cancer?

Sun exposure is directly related to the risk of developing a skin cancer.
If a person had five or more sunburns in their life, or just one blistering sunburn, their risk for developing a Melanoma doubles.

 Sun exposure also contributes to developing non-melanoma skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These skin cancers are influenced by cumulative sun exposure over a person’s lifetime.

 How To Stay Sun Safe:  Do Not Burn

-          Try to avoid direct sunlight between 10AM-4PM

-          Use a UVA/UVB Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours
-          Use clothing to cover up- Long sleeved shirt, Broad-brimmed hat, Sunglasses
-          Avoid tanning booths
-          Do self skin checks once a month
-          Have a professional skin exam yearly

 For more facts about Sunburns and Skin Cancer see the article below:

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/facts-about-sunburn-and-skin-cancer