Warm weather is here, and people are spending more time outdoors. But with this comes increased sun exposure.
Over time, excess exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays causes skin cancers — including melanomas and basal and squamous cell cancers — that if left untreated may develop into life-threatening diseases.
One in three Americans reports getting a sunburn each year — skin damage that, over time, significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. It is estimated that one in five people will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
“UV radiation from the sun is a primary risk factor for skin damage and skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and DNA damage in skin cells, which significantly increases the risk of skin cancer,” said Kathleen C. Suozzi, associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine. “By protecting your skin from the sun, you can reduce these risks and maintain healthier skin.”
The following Yale experts are available to speak with members of the news media about this important health threat,
tips for maintaining healthy skin throughout the summer and beyond, and the
importance of using sunscreen:
- Kelly Olino, assistant professor of surgery, Yale School of Medicine; clinical director of the Smilow Melanoma Program, Yale Cancer Center
- Sean R. Christensen, associate professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine
- Kathleen C. Suozzi, associate professor, department of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine; member, Yale Cancer Center
Learn more about skin cancer and its treatment
here.