According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Studies suggest that reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays (high-energy rays from the sun, sunlamps or tanning booths) can lower risk for nonmelanoma skin cancer. Individual risk of melanoma is correlated with the intensity of sunlight that a person receives over a lifetime. You can reduce sun exposure by limiting outdoor activities when the sun is strongest (11 am to 3 pm), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves and hats), and by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

• Cancer.gov: Skin Cancer - Provides access to authoritative documents from the National Cancer Institute, including information about treatment, supportive care, and clinical trials
• American Academy of Dermatology: Skin CancerNet - The American Academy of Dermatology is a professional association of practicing dermatologists. This site includes sun protection tips and a guide to help you check your skin for suspicious moles or other lesions.
• Skin Cancer Foundation - The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only national and international organization concerned exclusively with cancer of the skin. It is dedicated to prevention, support, education, and research.

• "Be Sun Safe! Understand Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection." MEDSURG Nursing. 14(4): 254-256. Yoder LH. August 2005.
• "Here Comes the Sun, So Watch Out! You Probably Need to Use More Sunscreen--and Other Tips About Sun Protection You May Not Know." 28(8):1-2. Harvard Health Letter. June 2003.
• "Screening for Cancer: Colon, Lung, and Skin Cancers." Harvard Men's Health Watch. 10(3):1-5. October 2005.
• "Skin Cancer Epidemic: Take Steps to Avoid Sun Damage." Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 24(4):1-3. April 2006.
• "Skin Cancer: With Summer Coming, It's a Timely Topic." 23:3. Child Health Alert. May 2005.

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