Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the nation affecting one in five Americans. If detected and treated early, it has a better than 99% cure rate.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are two of the most common types of skin cancer and are highly curable. Melanoma – the third most common type of skin cancer – however is much more dangerous. Read below for tips on how to reduce your risk for any type of skin cancer.

Use Sunscreen
Pick a sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher with broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection.

Seek Shade
Seek shade especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid when the sun’s rays are most intense.

Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
Since a typical t-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, it’s important to wear clothing made from tightly woven fabric. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants offer the best protection.

Wear a Hat
Wearing a hat helps protect your face, ears and the back of your neck from the sun. Choose a hat that has a brim all the way around.

Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses can reduce your risk for cataracts, skin cancer around the eyes and melanoma of the eye. Find a pair with 99-100% UVA/UVB absorption.

Avoid Indoor Tanning
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year.” If you want a sun-kissed glow, try using a self-tanning product instead.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Visit the American Academy of Dermatology website to learn more.