April showers bring May flowers and usually some sunshine, too! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and with summer right around the corner, it’s a great time to talk about protecting your skin from the sun.
Even though Oregon is known for cloudy days and rain, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can still harm your skin. Whether you’re at the coast, hiking in Central Oregon, or spending time in the Willamette Valley, sun protection is important all year long.
Why sun safety matters here
You might be surprised to learn that UV rays can be strong in Oregon. On some days in May, the UV Index can reach levels as high as 10, which means the sun can damage your skin quickly—sometimes in less than 20 minutes. Clouds do not block UV rays. Even on overcast days, your skin can still burn.
What is the UV index?
The UV Index is a daily rating that tells you how strong the sun’s UV rays are. Here’s a quick guide:
- 0-2 (Low): Safe for most people.
- 3-5 (Moderate): Wear sunscreen and sunglasses
- 6-7 (High): Seek shade during midday.
- 8-10 (Very high): Extra protection needed.
A simple trick: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are strong – find shade and reapply sunscreen!
Check your skin every month
Catching skin cancer early can save your life. A monthly skin check only takes a few minutes. Here’s what to look for:
- New spots or moles.
- Changes in size, color, or shape of existing moles.
- Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal.
- Anything that just doesn’t look right.
If something seems unusual, contact your doctor. Early treatment makes a big difference.
How to protect yourself
Good sun safety habits can be simple. Small steps add up, and they can help protect your skin for life.
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
- Check the daily UV Index before heading outside. To identify the UV Index for your area, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s UV Index search tool.
Resources that can help
There are several tools to help people learn about and prevent skin cancer:
- The Start Seeing Melanoma campaign helps people recognize early signs of skin cancer.
- The American Cancer Society’s Be Safe in the Sun webpage has excellent information about sun safety.
- Take the American Cancer Society’s brief skin cancer quiz to test your knowledge and get the facts about skin cancer.
Take action this May
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to protect yourself and the people you care about. With a few simple habits—like daily sunscreen and regular skin checks—you can greatly reduce your risk.
