Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, and doctors say many cases are preventable with the right precautions.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Health experts are encouraging sun-safe habits and regular skin checks to help reduce your risk.
As people spend more time outdoors this summer, doctors are reminding them to take steps to protect their skin.
Health experts say melanoma rates have been rising in recent years, making early detection and prevention more important than ever.
Many cases can be prevented with simple sun-safety habits.
Dr. Jay Kang is the president of the medical staff at UPMC Hamot. He says:
“Just using sunscreen reduces the risk of melanoma by 50 percent and invasive melanoma by 73 percent. So, sunscreen definitely works. Use an SPF of 30 or higher and practice sun-protective behaviors, including wearing sunglasses, long sleeves and hats, and avoiding the sun during peak hours. All of those things we can do today.”