Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is largely preventable when sun protection measures are consistently used. Follow these “safe-sun” guidelines whenever you are in the sun:

• Stay out of the sun, if you can, from 10am to 4pm when the sun’s rays are the most intense.

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect the skin. Loose-fitting and cotton clothing are cooler. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Sun exposure increases your risk of getting cataracts.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Wide-brimmed hats help protect your face, neck and ears from the sun.

• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 daily, even on a cloudy days.