Skin Cancer Prevention & Sun Safety
Protect Your Skin Today, Reduce Your Cancer Risk Tomorrow.
Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning. The good news? Many skin cancers can be prevented through simple sun safety habits.
UMass Boston is proud to be recognized as a Skin Smart Campus by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. As part of this designation, we are committed to promoting sun safety, skin cancer prevention, and early detection for our campus community.
As a Skin Smart Campus, UMass Boston:
- Does not allow indoor tanning devices on campus or affiliated properties.
- Promotes skin cancer prevention education.
- Encourages healthy sun safety practices.
- Supports annual skin cancer awareness and screening opportunities.
Why Should College Students Care?
Many people think skin cancer is something they only need to worry about later in life.
In reality, skin damage often begins during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.
Even a few serious sunburns can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. UV damage builds up over time, making prevention important at every age.
Did You Know?
- Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- Most skin cancers are linked to UV exposure.
- People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer.
- Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes.
The habits you build today can help protect your health for years to come.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally.
Risk Factors of Skin Cancer
General risk factors include:
- Light skin that burns, freckles, or reddens easily.
- A large number of moles.
- Personal or family history of skin cancer.
- History of sun exposure and sunburns, especially in early life.
- History of indoor tanning.
Even if you have a darker skin tone, you can still get skin cancer. It is often diagnosed later in people of color, making it harder to treat. Melanoma in people of color can occur on palms, soles, undernails, and other areas.
Sun Safety Practices
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and can be prevented with sun safety practices:
- Seek Shade:
- Find shade under trees, shade sails, or pavillions.
- Carry a sun umbrella.
- Use a pop-up UV shelter at the beach or park.
- Avoid the sun from 10 AM - 4 PM if possible, when UV radiation is strongest.
- Wear Sunscreen:
- Use broad-spectrum UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
- Use about one ounce (a palmful) for full coverage.
- Wear Protective Clothing:
- Long sleeves and pants with a dense weave or built-in UPF.
- Wide-brimmed hat.
- Closed-toe shoes and socks.
- Wear Sunglasses:
- Choose sunglasses with UV protection.
- Protects delicate skin around the eyes and reduces the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Check the UV Index:
- Review the UV index (found in most weather apps).
- Dermatologists recommend protection when the UV index is 3 and above.
- Limit sun exposure as UV index levels approach 6 and above.
Self-Skin Exams
Performing regular self-skin exams can help detect melanoma early. Look for the following signs (ABCDEs of Melanoma):
- Asymmetry: Moles that are not symmetrical.
- Border: Moles with blurry or jagged edges.
- Color: Moles with more than one color.
- Diameter: Moles larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm or 1/4 inch).
- Evolution: Moles that change in size, shape, or color.
Additional Resources
- Facts & Statistics | Skin Cancer Foundation
- Skin Cancer in People of Color | Skin Cancer Foundation
- Sun Safety | US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)