All individuals should be aware that exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation – ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), both of which can damage the skin. UVA damage can reach the deepest layers of the skin, possibly resulting in damage to the skin’s immune defenses and even cancer. UVB rays lead to sunburn and are often implicated in the development of less deadly forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following steps to prevent non-melanoma and other skin cancers:

• Cover up. Tightly woven clothing is more effective at blocking out sun and keeping it from damaging the skin. Several companies make sun-resistant clothing.
  
  
• Use sunscreen. Frequently apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, which will block 93 percent of UV rays. It is important to follow the directions on the bottle, including when to reapply. Note: SPF ratings refer only to UVB protection. Be sure to choose a product that includes protection against both UVA and UVB rays (e.g., products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied after swimming or sweating.
  
  
• Wear a hat. A baseball cap or visor offers little or no protection for the ears and neck. A wide-brimmed hat is a far better choice since it will protect the ears, neck, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
  
  
• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses. Even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective. Look for ones that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around glasses offer the best protection as they shade the sides of the eyes as well.
  
  
• Limit sun exposure. The rays of the sun are the strongest, and thus cause the most damage, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If it is not possible to avoid those hours, seek shade under a tree, beach umbrella or tent.
  
  
• Avoid tanning beds. In addition to the possibility of infections and warts, tanning beds are not a safe way to get a tan because they also emit UV rays just like the sun.
  
  
• Check medications. Some prescription drugs increase a person’s sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Common medications that increase sensitivity include thiazides, diuretics, tetracycline, sulfa antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.
  
  
• Regular examinations by a physician.  Routine examinations by a physician qualified to diagnose skin cancer are important to those with a low or normal risk, and even more important to those with an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer. From ages 20 to 39, a full-body screening by a dermatologist (a doctor that specializes in the physiology or pathology of the skin) is recommended every three years. After the age of 40, patients should be examined annually. For individuals who previously have had skin cancer, it is best to follow the treating physician’s recommendations for follow-up care. In between clinical exams, monthly self-examinations are recommended.
  

The damaging effects of the sun can be more dramatic at higher elevations where there is little atmosphere to filter the sunlight. Snow, as well as sand or water, can reflect the UV rays of the sun and can lead to sunburn and permanent damage to the skin, just as direct sunlight can.