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"Gear Up" Talking Points

Why do we need to watch this video?

The amount of sunburn you get now, before you turn 18, increases your risk for skin cancer, particularly melanoma.  Melanoma is a fast-growing skin cancer that develops in younger people and can be deadly.  It is increasing at a rate of nearly 3% a year. People at any age can develop melanoma, .

Will I always need to protect my skin?

Although outdoor activities make summertime fun, protection from the sun must be a part of what you do everyday. Make it a part of your morning routine, not just in summer, but year round.

How does the sun damage my skin?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UVB &UVA) that can cause skin cancer, eye damage (cataracts), as well as speeding up the aging process of the skin.

Can I get a safe tan at a tanning booth?

No, tanning booths use UVA radiation that is a known cause of skin cancer, according to the United States Institute of Environmental Sciences Report on Carcinogens, 9th Edition (2002). UVA radiation also speeds up the aging process of your skin.

Are people with dark skin at risk for skin cancer too?

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of his or her skin pigmentation.

What if it’s a cloudy day?

You can burn, even on a cloudy day. Also keep in mind that reflected light adds to your UV exposure: water, sand, grass, concrete, playgrounds and snow all increase the amount of UV radiation you’re exposed to. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re around these reflective surfaces.

Does altitude make a difference?

Yes, UV radiation increases in strength 2% for every 1000 ft. of elevation above sea level.

Is it enough to put on sunscreen in the morning?

That’s a good way to start, but remember to do it right so you’re protected from the sun all day long. Here’s the right way to use sunscreen:

  • Apply sunscreen/block at the start of every day, at least 15-20 minutes before you set out
  • Use 30 SPF or higher
  • Use at least an ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill the palm of your hand, and apply it everywhere that the sun will strike
  • Reapply every two hours when you’re out of doors, and more often if you sweat, swim, or towel dry

What does SPF stand for?

To understand what the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number means to you, multiply the SPF number (e.g.30) by the number of minutes it takes before your skin turns pink in the sun (e.g.10). The answer reveals how many minutes of protection from the sun that particular sunscreen would grant you. In the above example, you would be protected from sunburn for 300 minutes or about two and a half hours, and only if the sunscreen stayed on…and that’s the key. Don’t expect that you’ll be protected all day when you wear a high SPF sunscreen. In most outdoor situations, sunscreen will rub off when you sweat, swim, or towel dry, so reapply every two hours!

What else do I need to remember?

  • Stay out of the sun at the hottest part of the day (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) if you live in the Sunbelt states, below L 37°, and 11-3 if you live north of L 37°
  • If you can’t avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day, use extra protection
  • Find shade or carry it with you by using an umbrella or hat
  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants.  If you choose a lightweight fabric, you can keep cool as well. Some clothes have a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) built in, and still allow for a lot of ventilation.
  • Wear sunglasses with UV protection
  • It’s important to look at your skin every month for any growth that is new or changing.  Look all over your body.  Tell your parents or the school nurse, if you find a new or changing growth.

Disease Information


© 2013 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center