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As summer heats up, so does our time outdoors—but with that sunshine comes a serious reminder: July is UV Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the risks of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how to protect your skin from long-term damage.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, making it the most common type of cancer nationwide. The vast majority of these cases are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person's risk of developing melanoma later in life.

The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable. Simple steps such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning can significantly reduce your risk.

UV Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder to make sun safety a daily habit, not just a seasonal one. Whether you're heading to the beach, working outside, or simply running errands, taking a few extra minutes to protect your skin can have lasting benefits for your health.

This July, take the opportunity to educate yourself and those around you about UV exposure. Prevention starts with awareness, and every step you take toward sun safety helps lower the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Let’s work together to stay safe in the sun.

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external iconApril is National Minority Health Month! Together, we can encourage communities to stay up to date on #COVID19 vaccines. #BoostYourCommunity by sharing your knowledge, tools, & resources throughout the month. www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/nmhm/