America's Most Common Cancer Is Also the Most Preventable — Here's How

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the timing is no accident. As the spring sun grows stronger and outdoor schedules fill up, the ultraviolet radiation that causes most skin cancers reaches levels that can damage unprotected skin in less than 15 minutes. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and it is also one of the most preventable.

A 65-Degree Day Can Burn You Just Like a July Afternoon

A cool spring afternoon can be deceiving. The thermometer may read 65 degrees, but the UV index can be the same as on a hot July day. UV intensity depends on sun angle, time of day, elevation, cloud cover, and surface reflection. The National Weather Service and the EPA UV Index publish daily forecasts that rate UV from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme).

A general rule from dermatologists: when the UV index hits 3 or higher, skin protection is recommended. From 6 upward, protection is essential. Most U.S. cities cross UV 6 by mid-spring, and many southern and high-elevation locations reach UV 9 or 10 in summer.