Stony Brook Medicine: Skin Cancer Prevention For Winter Season

Press release from Stony Brook Medicine:

Feb. 21, 2023

Letter to the Editor
Skin Cancer Prevention for Winter Season
February, 2023 - Sun Safety Is Not Just for Summertime

Dear Editor,

The winter season brings cold winds and snowy weather, but it also can bring damage to your skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages your skin year-round, not just during the summer months.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., yet most cases can be prevented. UV radiation from the sun and indoor tanning lamps are the primary cause of skin cancer, and reducing your exposure can significantly reduce your cancer risk. Even on cold, winter days, UV radiation from the sun can cause damage to your skin, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation, increasing the damage caused to your skin.

Sun protection is necessary every day, regardless of the weather or time of year. Sun safe practices such as applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, can help prevent skin cancer.

The Cancer Prevention in Action at Stony Brook Cancer Center works to build awareness about the dangers of UV radiation and promote the benefits of sun safety through education, awareness, and policy support to reduce skin cancer rates on Long Island.

To learn more about Cancer Prevention in Action, visit takeactionagainstcancer.com or contact us at 631-444-4263 / COE@stonybrookmedicine.edu.

CPiA is supported with funds from Health Research, Inc. and New York State.

This press release was produced by Stony Brook Medicine. The views expressed here are the author's own.