Living Well Under the Sun

Overview | Protecting Your Skin | Facts About Sunshine | Detecting Skin Cancer | Types of Skin Cancer

means experiencing the beauty of nature and taking the time to enjoy outdoor activities. It also means being aware of the dangers of sun exposure and respecting them.

Excess sun exposure can cause:

• premature aging,
• wrinkled, leathery and rough skin,
• sunburn,
• skin cancer.

The sun exposure you enjoy today may result in skin cancer or precancers 10 to 20 years from now.

One of every three cancers diagnosed in the United States is skin cancer. It has three forms: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma, the most deadly form. Skin cancer is a serious health problem - especially in Arizona where incidence is higher than in any other state.

Everyone is at high risk for developing skin cancer.

You are at even higher risk if you ...

• work outdoors unprotected,
• have fair skin,
• have light eyes,
• sunburn or freckle easily.

By the year 2000, one in every six Americans is expected to develop some form of skin cancer in his or her lifetime. Don't become a skin cancer statistic. Protect yourself and your family.

For more information on Melanoma,  please visit the Melanoma International Foundation.