Related Resources
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In 2005,* 53,792 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, and 8,345 people died from it.† CDC leads national efforts to reduce skin cancer through education. When in the sun, seek shade, cover up, get a hat, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
*Latest year for which statistics are available. †Source: USCS.
Features
Skin Cancer Prevention
Protection from sun exposure is important all year, not just during the summer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach you on cloudy days and reflect off of water, cement, sand, and snow.
Shade Planning for Schools (PDF-1.2MB)
This manual helps schools maintain a physical environment that supports sun safety by ensuring that school grounds have adequate shade.
Sun Safety at Schools (PDF-179KB)
This brochure explains how school administrators and staff, parents, and community health care service providers can promote sun safety.
Sun Safety for America’s Youth Toolkit
The Toolkit helps local comprehensive cancer control programs engage schools and other education partners in sun safety efforts.
Soak Up the Sun Podcast
Learn about skin cancer types and risk factors, and ways to protect yourself and your family.
Listen to this podcast (4:22)
Send a Health-e-Card!
Tell someone how to protect their skin from the sun with CDC's Skin Cancer electronic greeting card.
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
4770 Buford Hwy NE
MS K-64
Atlanta, GA 30341 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
