With summer fun and outdoor activities fast approaching, skin protection is more important than ever. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and indoor tanning devices can result in serious health problems, including skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Over one million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, but the disease is largely preventable by taking precautions against sun exposure. Research shows a link between childhood sunburns and an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life, and a substantial amount of an average person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18.

Choose clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that you can’t see through when held up to light, and select wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, neck, and ears. Remember to apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling dry. Adding a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect the eyes and the sensitive skin surrounding them from potential eye disease and cataracts.

The sun’s rays are generally strongest from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. If you are unsure about the sun’s strength, use the shadow test: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Try to plan outdoor activities to avoid the midday sun, but if you and your family choose to be outdoors, be sure to take extra precautions.

Sun exposure happens any time you’re in the sun, not just during a summer day at the beach. Whether you’re gardening, riding a bike, or even just walking to your car, sun damage adds up day after day. By building safe sun habits into your routine no matter the season, you and your family can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging effects.

For more information about skin cancer prevention and early detection, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/sunsafety.