Health Highlights: Remembering more than just sunscreen
Key Takeaways:
- Remember to lather sunscreen on the top of your ears, back of your neck, and between the top of your chest and neck
- Use lip balms with SPF
- You can still get burnt when it's cloudy out!
Put on sunscreen. Wear a hat. Stand in the shade.
These are probably a few things you’ve heard once, or a thousand times, over the years by a parent, teacher or coach.
However, roughly 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year, affecting more than three million people (some individuals have more than one skin cancer). Skin cancers are by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society says this is probably due to better skin cancer detection, people getting more exposure to the sun, and people living longer.
But what are we forgetting? Tim Smile, MD, is a radiation oncologist with OSF HealthCare. He breaks down key tips for people to remember before heading outside.
"A lot of people wear a nice baseball hat that covers their faces really well, but the tops of your ears, neck, and even the front of the top of your sternum area can get exposure to the sun without you realizing it,” Dr. Smile says. “Keep an eye on those areas and make sure you're applying sunscreen there."
Just because it's overcast, doesn't mean the UV rays aren't there. Dr. Smile says you can still get burnt.
And, don't forget your lips! Use lip balms with SPF protection. Dr. Smile adds your lips can get sunburned and lead to skin cancers due to UV exposure.