Exposure to sunlight for student-athletes and athletics staff members is a common part of outdoor athletics activities and daily life. Athletics activities often occur during midday hours when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is most damaging, putting student-athletes, athletics staff and fans at increased risk.

When outdoors, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, use sunglasses and apply sunscreen.

Exposure to UV radiation is the most important risk factor for developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include:

• At least one severe, blistering sunburn
• A lighter natural skin color and skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily or becomes painful in the sun
• Appearance of moles, particularly an increased number of moles or a changing mole
• Total amount of sun exposure during a lifetime
• Use of artificial UV radiation, including tanning beds
• Family history of skin cancer and increasing age

• All skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, are caused by exposure to UV radiation
• Skin cancer is the most common cancer, with more than 3.5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in the United States annually
• Skin cancer is largely preventable by limiting exposure to sunlight, the primary source of UV radiation
• Melanoma incidence rates have been increasing for at least 30 years
• Melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths
• Current estimates indicate that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime

The hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daylight saving time are the most hazardous for UV exposure.

Other factors that increase UV radiation include:

• Latitude, especially locations closer to the equator
• Higher altitude
• Light cloud coverage (UV rays can pass through clouds, windows and light clothing)
• Reflective surfaces such as snow, pavement, water and sand

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors. Unprotected skin can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes
• Generously apply a golf ball-sized amount (palm full) of sunscreen to cover the entire body evenly, including the neck, ears and lips
• For those with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp and wear a hat
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off
• Stay in the shade whenever possible
• Wear protective clothing when outside
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face, head, ears and neck
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block close to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays
• Do not use tanning beds or other artificial sources of UV light
• Maintain proper hydration

• If you see a spot, check the spot
• Be aware of your skin and the moles you have
• If you notice a mole or spot that is changing, itching, bleeding or growing, see a dermatologist
• Early detection is critical; perform regular self-exams and visit a dermatologist as recommended

• Serve as a sun safety role model
• Improve access to sunscreen for student-athletes at every outdoor practice and competition
• Encourage sunscreen and protective clothing as essential equipment
• Consider access to UPF-protective clothing for outdoor sport athletes
• Make sun safety behaviors routine, including reapplying sunscreen and taking breaks in the shade