5 tips to reduce your risk of skin cancer

Skin cancer, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the most common cancer in the United States.

As good as it can feel, the sun can be a health hazard as well.

However, there are several fairly easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting skin cancer.

If you are going to be spending time outdoors, take these modest precautions:

1. When possible stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.

2.  Wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim to help shade your face, head, ears and neck.

3. Cover up with clothing — long-sleeve shirts, tops — to protect exposed skin. This is especially important if you are boating or fishing as sunlight reflects the sun’s rays.

4. Wear sunglasses that wrap around. Look for ones that block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

5. Use sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.