HONOLULU (KHON2) — There is nothing Hawaii residents and visitors love more than heading to the beach and soaking up the sun’s rays. While most are excited for the sun to be out, it is important to remember the proper precautions to prevent skin cancer.
According to the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, but also the most preventable.
The American Cancer Society revealed that 10,000 Hawaii residents are diagnosed with skin cancer each year due to excessive UV radiation exposure, affecting at least one out of every five adults.
Associate researcher and associate professor, Kevin Cassel, works with the Population Sciences in the Pacific Program and provided some of the best tips for skin cancer prevention this summer.
“Because of our proximity to the equator, we get more exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation from the sun. So one factor is to make sure that we limit our time in the midday sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” Cassel explained.
Cassel recommended everyone use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or higher and reapply occasionally, especially if they participate in outdoor or athletic activities.
“We don’t want people to be afraid of the sun, but to be aware of the need to protect themselves, to seek shade, wear UV protective clothing, wear sunscreen when needed. And those types of factors will reduce the overall risk of people getting skin cancers early on and later in life,” he added.
For more information on cancer prevention, the public is invited to participate in events held by both the UH Cancer Center and the Friends of the UH Cancer Center
The National Cancer Center Institute’s information line also offers information on skin cancer prevention, screening treatment and supportive care. Call (800) 422-6237 for these additional resources.