Your Sun Protection Toolkit to Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Sun safety graphic - Add them up for the best sun protection

It's that time of year when outdoor activities are at the top of the list of things to do. Before going to the park, beach, lake, and other outdoor spaces, make sun protection part of your plans. In as little as 15 minutes, the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin if it’s not protected. Too much sun and damage over time can increase your risk for skin cancer. Using sunscreen is one place to start—adding more kinds of sun protection like a hat with a wide brim is even better! Get more tips and find out what to include in your sun protection toolkit to prevent skin cancer.

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Women's Health Week: Find Time for Your Health

Three women standing outdoors

The day-to-day routine can sometimes make it hard for women to find time for their health. National Women’s Health Week (May 8–14) encourages women to make their health a priority and highlights ways to stay healthy. Create a foundation for good health by staying active, not smoking (or quitting if you do), and getting on track with cancer screenings. Small healthy actions each day can help. CDC’s cancer division has resources to help you and the women in your life lower the risk of cancer.

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New Skin Cancer Data on Melanoma

U.S. Cancer Statistics graphic: Do more than read cancer data - see it.

A new U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Brief looks at malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the most deaths from skin cancer because it’s more likely to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs. During 2009 to 2018, rates of new melanoma cases increased among non-Hispanic White people, particularly in adults aged 55 years and older. New data show changes over time in melanoma cases by U.S. region. Find out which regions have the highest rate.

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New Research Collection on Cancer Prevention

Preventing Chronic Disease graphic

The newest collection on cancer prevention is featured in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease. “Cancer Screening Prevalence and Associated Factors Among US Adults” is a special collection of 11 articles that look at cancer screening trends, what influences cancer screening participation, and public health practices that help increase screening in specific populations. Check out these studies to find the latest research on ways to improve cancer screening programs.

Free Course on Uterine Cancer

Doctor working on a laptop

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, and it affects some women differently. Black women are twice as likely to die from uterine cancer than White women. A new continuing medical education (CME) course, Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer, was developed through a partnership between the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and CDC. This course summarizes studies and recommendations to provide guidance for equitable prevention, early diagnosis, and special considerations of uterine cancer.

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Research Spotlight

Cervical cancer can be prevented when precancers are found early and treated. Computable guidelines and clinical decision support for cervical cancer screening and management to improve outcomes and health equity describes an effort to create tools to support appropriate screening and follow-up guidance. The goal is to increase the quality of care for all patients, especially those who are medically underserved.

Cancer screening test use–U.S., 2019 examines the proportion of screening-eligible adults who are up to date with breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings and how screening use compares with Healthy People 2020 targets.

Did You Know?

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. Some people have a higher risk than others, but anyone can get skin cancer.
Adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20% to 30%.