JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – As Skin Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, health officials want Mississippians to protect themselves against UV rays on Memorial Day and beyond.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation , it is the nation’s most common form of cancer with five million diagnoses yearly. Complications from sun and heat exposure can cause health consequences long after Memorial Day. A few serious sunburns can double your lifetime risk of cancer, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

The risk is particularly high for children and adolescents. Serious sunburns can double their chance of developing malignant melanoma, one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer. Unprotected skin can be harmed by UV rays in as little as 15 minutes , yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effects of sun exposure. MSDH has a variety of tips to help protect children and adults alike from harmful sun exposure and cancer.

• Use sunscreen rated SPF-15 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection. Remember that last year’s sunscreen may not still be effective — check the expiration date on the packaging.
• Apply sunscreen half an hour before you go outside for full effectiveness. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours , and more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
• Seek shade , especially during midday when the sun’s rays are strongest and do the most damage. Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and seek shade under an umbrella or tree.
• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. Light clothing is not a substitute for sunscreen: a T-shirt only has an SPF of about 4.
• Get a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck. UV rays can reach anyone on cloudy and hazy days as well as bright and sunny days.
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. Sunglasses protect both the eyes and tender skin around the eyes from sun exposure.
• Drink plenty of fluids , especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
• Relax and avoid strenuous activity, especially after noon, when the heat is highest.

Tanning beds are not safe to use, as the UV radiation they produce also pose serious health risks . Tanning devices can cause skin cancer, skin burns, premature skin aging and short and long-term eye damage.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has tools and ideas for Mississippians who also wish to celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Social media users can share facts and graphics using the Skin Cancer Awareness Month Toolkit . Those affected by skin cancer can also share their story on social media or with the organization. For more information or to make a donation , click here .

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