The New York State Department of Health on July 14 reminded New Yorkers to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation this summer, saying too much UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. The Department noted that more than 4,500 New Yorkers are diagnosed with melanoma each year and that over 365 die from melanoma annually.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the importance of routine protection: “This summer, prevent damage to your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outside. You can also wear a hat, clothing and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Tanned and sunburned skin is damaged skin. Even when a sunburn or tan fades, the damage caused to skin cells does not.”
Why it matters
The Department highlights research showing that five or more sunburns can double the risk of skin cancer, and that even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chance of developing melanoma later in life. Avoiding or reducing UV exposure is the single most important step to lower skin-cancer risk, the release says, noting that UV radiation is present year-round regardless of cloud cover.
State recommendations
- Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves and long pants.
- Use sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect eye area and reduce cataract risk.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; apply 15–30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid peak sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and seek shade when possible.
- Parents should keep infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight and reapply/cover older children when outdoors.
- Indoor tanning devices are strongly discouraged; New York State prohibits anyone under 18 from using tanning beds at indoor tanning facilities.
