The WAM Foundation - War Against Melanoma

(See Signs and Symptoms)

Information provided by the National Cancer Institute, The Skin Cancer Foundation,
and the Melanoma Research Foundation. For more detailed information go to:

National Cancer Institute - http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation - http://www.skincancer.org
Melanoma Research Foundation - http://www.melanoma.org

Disclaimer:
The material contained on this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended and should not
construed to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should not rely on any
information contained on this site as a substitute for medical advice and always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

Avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) whenever possible. When
your shadow is
shorter than you are, remember to protect yourself from the sun.

If you must be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim.

Protect yourself from UV radiation that can penetrate light clothing, windshields, and
windows.

Protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice.

Help protect your skin by using a lotion, cream, or gel that contains sunscreen. Many
doctors believe
sunscreens may help prevent melanoma, especially sunscreens that reflect, absorb,
and/or scatter both
types of ultraviolet radiation. These sunscreen products will be labeled with
"broad-spectrum coverage." Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun
protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection is provided.
Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 to 11 provide minimal protection
against sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 12 to 29 provide moderate protection.
Those with an SPF of
30 or higher provide the most protection against sunburn.

Wear sunglasses that have UV-absorbing lenses. The label should specify that the lenses
block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Sunglasses can protect both the
eyes and the skin around the eyes.