National Safe Sun Week highlights the importance of sunscreen use to prevent the most common form of cancer in the United States.
MedStar Health wants everyone to lather up to protect their health. Observed annually during the week before Memorial Day, National Safe Sun Week started in 2021 to raise awareness about sun safety.
A new national survey conducted by MedStar Health shows why that message matters. About half of adults said they’ve never received a skin check. 58% of adults are unaware melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. 83% of adults are unaware melanoma can become life threatening in just six weeks. Only 11% of adults said they “almost always” wear sunscreen on a regular basis.
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
“Understanding your personal risk goes a long way toward prevention,” says Dr. Allison Larson, physician executive director of dermatology for MedStar Health. “Sunscreen use, including remembering to reapply, is crucial for long-term health.”
Southern Maryland residents spend significant time outdoors enjoying the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and local parks. Boating, fishing, farming and youth sports all increase sun exposure during the warmer months. MedStar Health operates facilities across the region, serving families in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties who benefit from these reminders as summer activities begin.
Summer sunscreen tips include applying sunscreen every day and reapplying every two hours. Pack sunscreen in a lunchbox, backpack or camp bag as a reminder. Tie sunscreen use to another regular habit, such as brushing your teeth. Do not forget commonly overlooked areas, including the ears, neck, chest and back of the hands. Replace sunscreen every year, or sooner, because it can lose effectiveness over time.
The survey also revealed the top three summer concerns identified by respondents were sunburn, heat illness and bug bites. Still, only 19% of adults could identify all symptoms of heat illness.
Heat illness prevention tips include drinking fluids regularly throughout the day, taking breaks in the shade or indoors when temperatures rise, wearing lightweight clothing during hot weather and paying attention to warning signs of heat illness, including symptoms that may be overlooked, such as decreased or dark-colored urination.
This year’s National Safe Sun Week runs Monday, May 18, through Sunday, May 24.
MedStar Health encourages residents to check their skin regularly and schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools against skin cancer. Local MedStar facilities in the Baltimore-Washington region provide dermatology services accessible to Southern Maryland families.
The initiative aligns with broader public health efforts in the tri-county area to promote wellness during the active summer season. Families are reminded that sun safety is especially important for children, who spend extended time outside at school events, sports and recreational activities.
Check out MedStar Health’s “Sunshine Beats & Sunscreen Repeats” playlist on Spotify as a reminder to reapply all summer long.
