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Protecting your skin is easy.

  • sunblock Lather the lotion.
  • sunglasses Sport the shades
  • a wide-brim hat Wear a wide brim.
  • a shirt Cover up with clothes.
  • an umbrella providing shade Seek less sun.
  • a magnifying glass Check your skin.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation damages your skin’s top layer. It increases your chance of developing skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the United States. The sun produces UVA and UVB rays, but so do tanning beds and sunlamps. They have been linked to malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And they should be avoided.

Regularly check your skin from head to toe for unusual changes. Look for moles that are different from others, sores that do not heal, new skin growths, and moles with one or more of the “ABCDE” characteristics. See a dermatologist immediately if you have any warning signs.