Sun-protective behaviors in populations at high risk for skin cancer

Figures & data

Table 1 Summary of sun protection guidelines from relevant health agencies (Accessed October 24, 2013)

Australian Cancer Council (http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/)

• Slip on sun-protective clothing

• Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen; 20 minutes before going outdoor; never use sunscreen to extend time in the sun

• Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style

• Seek shade

• Slide on some sunglasses

American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/sunanduvexposure/skin-cancer-facts)

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm

• Seek shade

• Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! rules

• Wrap-on sunglasses

• Don’t use sunscreen as a way to stay out in the sun longer

• Sun protect even on cloudy or overcast days

• Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous

US Preventive Service Task Force Recommendations (http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsskco.htm)

• The USPSTF recommends counseling children, adolescents, and young adults aged 10–24 years who have fair skin about minimizing their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for skin cancer

• The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of counseling adults older than 24 years about minimizing risks to prevent skin cancer

Canadian Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/live-well/sun-and-uv/being-safe-in-the-sun/?region=bc)

• Plan outdoor activities before 11 am or after 3 pm or when the UV index is 3 or less

• Find shade or take an umbrella

• Cover up – loose-fitting, tightly woven, and lightweight clothing; wide-brimmed hat; SPF 15+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and SPF 30 sunscreen for planning to stay outdoor most of the day

• Wear sunglasses

• Don’t use indoor tanning beds

European Skin Cancer Foundation (http://www.escf-network.eu/en/patients/prevention/being-in-the-sun.html)

• Avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm

• Use sunscreen regularly/daily SPF 30 or higher, effective for UVB and UVA

• Apply sunscreen 20–30 minutes prior to sun exposure

• Think of using sun-protective textiles

• Use a hat or cap

• Protect your eyes with sunglasses

• Drink enough water to ensure sufficient hydration

• Avoid artificial sunlight (sun beds/tanning salons)

World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/uv/sun_protection/en/)

• Limit time in the midday sun (between 10 am to 4 pm)

• Watch for the UV index

• Use shade wisely

• Wear protective clothing – wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes

• Use sunscreen: broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+, reapply every 2 hours or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors

• Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors

Abbreviations: SPF, sun protection factor; UV, ultraviolet; USPSTF, United States Preventive Service Task Force; UVA, ultraviolet A; UVB, ultraviolet B.