Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. That’s more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries and pancreas combined. And the number of skin cancers has been on the rise for the past few decades.

I love this Isola wide-brim straw hat from J. Crew for $58

Things you should do:

Limit Direct Sun Exposure during Midday

Cover Up

Use a Sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or Higher

Wear a Hat

Wear Sunglasses That Block UV Rays

Avoid Tanning Beds and Sunlamps

Self exams are also very important. Use these steps to perform regular self exams.

• Examine your body front & back in a mirror, then right and left sides with arms raised.
• Bend elbows. Look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms.
• Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes and on the sole.
• Examine the backs of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look
• Finally, check your back with a hand mirror.

Check out the American Cancer Society‘s Sun Safety pages for more information.