Sun Safety Quiz

1.

I'm not at risk of skin damage or skin cancer, because my normal routine (such as driving to work and hobbies) does not include much time outdoors.

True

False

The Correct Answer is False.

Dermatologists (skin doctors) say brief sun exposures all year round can cause major damage for people with fair skin. And some of the sun��s ultraviolet (UV) rays can even pass through windows. Driving or even sitting by a window during peak sun hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., can expose your skin to damaging UV rays if the sun is shining directly on you.?

Repeated, everyday exposures are linked to squamous cell skin cancer. And although squamous cell skin cancer is less likely than melanoma to spread, it is far more common, and the number of cases has been increasing for many years.

2.

I should use sunscreen at outdoor events, even if I only go (and get burned) once or twice a year.

True

False

The Correct Answer is True.

Many people think it's OK to get a sunburn now and then. But studies show that even occasional exposure to intense sunlight seems to increase the risk of the most deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma.

3.

If I'm wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want.

True

False

The Correct Answer is False.

It's best to avoid spending several hours in the sun, even if you are wearing sunscreen. Sunscreens don't provide total protection from UV rays.

To protect your skin even while wearing sunscreen, the ��ϴ�ʪPosts Cancer Society recommends:

Seeking shade and limiting time in the sun at midday
Covering up with protective clothing
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it about every 2 hours
Using lip balm with sunscreen
Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes

4.

A sunscreen labeled SPF 15 blocks more UV radiation than one labeled SPF 30.

True

False

The Correct Answer is False.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) describes how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the rays that most often cause sunburn. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%. The label says nothing about protection from UVA rays. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum product that blocks both UVB and UVA light. To get the best protection, use enough sunscreen and reapply it often, especially if you are sweating or swimming.

5.

It's safe to let my children stay in the pool all day if they put on a light-colored t-shirt after a couple hours and reapply sunscreen to their faces, arms, and legs.

True

False

The Correct Answer is False.

UV rays can easily go through a white cotton t-shirt, especially if it��s wet. A wet, white t-shirt offers a UV protection factor (UPF) of 3. UPF is the level of protection a garment provides from UV rays. Lighter shades usually provide less protection from UV rays than darker shades. Darker colors absorb more UV radiation, helping keep it from reaching your skin.

Better clothing choices include dark colors, fabrics with tight weaves (denim, canvas, wool, and polyester), and specially treated garments and swimsuits. Sun-protective clothing can be found at sporting goods stores. Another great choice is moving into the shade during midday, when the sun��s rays are strongest.

It��s best to keep babies younger than 6 months out of the direct sunlight and protect them with shade, sun-protective clothing, and hats. Check with your infant��s doctor about using sunscreen.

6.

How often do I need to reapply water-resistant sunscreen?

Every 2 hours or sooner

After sweating or swimming

After I towel dry

All of the above

The Correct Answer is All of the above.

For best results, most sunscreens need to be reapplied about every 2 hours or sooner. Check the label for how long the protection will last. Sunscreens labeled ��water resistant�� are made to protect you from burning when you swim or sweat, but they may only last for 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label. Also, remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel dry.

7.

Getting a "base tan" at an indoor tanning salon is a good way to prevent sunburn at the beach.

True

False

The Correct Answer is False.

Our experts say a "base tan" gives you very little protection against sunburn. Also, tanning itself injures the skin. What you don't see is UV damage to deeper layers, where it builds-up from every tan and burn you've ever had. There really is no such thing as a "safe tan."

8.

What are common (and painful!) sunscreen mistakes?

Choosing an SPF below 30

Using too little

Waiting too long to reapply

All of the above

The Correct Answer is All of the above.

Sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and SPF of 30 or higher are recommended. About 1 ounce of sunscreen (2 tablespoons) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult. For best results, sunscreens must be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled ��water resistant�� may provide protection for 40 or 80 minutes when you are swimming or sweating.

9.

Now put it all together: You applied sunscreen at noon for an afternoon of reading beside the pool. At 2:00 p.m., which one of the following actions would best protect your skin?

Put on loosely woven cotton clothes

Move to the shade

Reapply sunscreen

The Correct Answer is Move to the shade.

While all 3 actions may help, getting out of the midday sun is the best choice in this situation. Seeking shade is a key element in preventing skin cancer, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.

Covering up is the right idea, but clothes made of loosely woven cotton, linen, or gauze, or clothes that are sheer or thin block very little UV radiation. Dark colors, tight weaves, and clothing labeled UPF 50 work better.

Sunscreen should not be used to extend your time in intense sunlight. It is an important part of protecting your skin, but it does not provide total protection. To get the most from sunscreen, choose products with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and use at least 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) for an adult.

��ϴ�ʪPosts

Sun Safety Quiz

Know Your Cancer Risk
Take the ACS CancerRisk360? assessment to learn more about what you can change to improve your health. By taking 5 minutes to answer a few questions, we will give you a personalized roadmap of actions with helpful resources you can use to lower your risk of cancer.

��ϴ�ʪPosts Cancer Society Emails

���ϴ�ʪPosts

Sun Safety Quiz

Know Your Cancer Risk Take the ACS CancerRisk360? assessment to learn more about what you can change to improve your health. By taking 5 minutes to answer a few questions, we will give you a personalized roadmap of actions with helpful resources you can use to lower your risk of cancer.

���ϴ�ʪPosts Cancer Society Emails

��ϴ�ʪPosts

Know Your Cancer Risk
Take the ACS CancerRisk360? assessment to learn more about what you can change to improve your health. By taking 5 minutes to answer a few questions, we will give you a personalized roadmap of actions with helpful resources you can use to lower your risk of cancer.

��ϴ�ʪPosts Cancer Society Emails