Skip the wait and schedule your ER Reservation in under 2 mins! Text ‘ER Now’ to (215) 664-2220 to schedule.

ER Wait Time: 7 minutes | If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

MyChart Patient Portal Pay My Bill
Lower Bucks Hospital logo
user-icon
x

Choose an option below for a customized menu.

I am a

  • Patient
  • Healthcare Professional
  • Job Seeker
  • Visitor

My Menu

Reset Menu

My Menu

Reset Menu

My Menu

Reset Menu

My Menu

Reset Menu

SPF: Protect Now, Prevent Later

Jul 31, 2025 | Latest News, News

SPF: Protect Now, Prevent Later

 

By Sydney Rotman, DO

Family Medicine PGY-3

 

Did you know that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases treated annually? (3,6) Fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Practicing consistent, daily sun protection can significantly reduce one’s risk. When discussing sun protection, it is important to understand the basics.

 

There are two primary types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damage the skin: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and play a major role in the development of skin cancer. UVA rays, however, penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging (think wrinkles and sunspots) and also contributing to the development of skin cancer (1,2,3). Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays can penetrate glass and windows,(1) which means exposure to UV rays can still occur while driving a car, sitting near windows, or even indoors with natural light. A helpful way to remember this is to think of “A” for aging and “B” for burn. Ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds increase the risk for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. On cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach the skin. Tanning beds are one of the biggest contributors to skin cancer, so it’s best to avoid them completely. This is why daily sunscreen is essential for health and safety, even if a person is not spending the day outside. (1,2,3)

 

Most skin cancers may not appear immediately after sun exposure, so it is important to know the risk factors. Skin cancer is slow-growing and, in some cases, may have a delay of up to 20 years after UV exposure. (6,7) These cancers result from cumulative damage over time, meaning that poor sun protection in one’s younger years can lead to severe consequences later in life. Family history increases a patient’s risk of skin cancer due to shared genetics and behaviors. If a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has had a form of skin cancer, one’s risk is 2 to 4 times higher depending on the type of skin cancer. (1) Individuals with both fair and darker complexions are at risk. While darker skin tones contain more melanin, which offers some minimal natural protection, it is not sufficient to completely block UVA or UVB rays; therefore, skin cancer can still occur. (4)

 

There are many effective sun protection strategies one can utilize to prevent skin cancers and premature aging. The general recommendation is to apply 1 ounce (about enough to fill a shot glass or an amount to completely cover your palm) of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the skin 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. (1,2,5,6,8) However, it is equally important to remember to reapply every 2 hours, as sunscreen loses effectiveness over time due to UV breakdown, sweat, water, and natural oils from the skin. Setting an alarm or reminder on one’s cellphone or watch can be a helpful way to remember to reapply. Sunscreens labeled “Water Resistant” only last 40 to 80 minutes in water and must be reapplied earlier than every 2 hours after swimming to provide adequate UV protection. When using sunscreen, it is imperative to cover commonly missed areas, including the ears, neck, scalp, lips, and feet. Protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, long sleeves, and clothes labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor; blocks UV radiation) are also beneficial. (1,2,5,6) UV exposure is strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM; therefore, seeking shade during these hours is advisable. (5)

 

Early detection is key to treating and preventing skin cancer. Individuals can perform monthly self-exams and should report any new or changing spots to their healthcare provider. It is critical that healthcare professionals ask each of their patients about sun protection and skin cancer risk during annual visits. Additionally, healthcare providers should inquire if a patient has a history of sunburns, moles or freckles, immunosuppression, tanning bed usage, or a family or personal history of skin cancer. (1,2,3,5,6) These individuals should be advised to schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist starting in their 20s or 30s. (6) For more information, please visit the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org , the Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/index.html. Remember, wear sunscreen every day that ends in “y.”

 

To learn more about the Lower Bucks Hospital Residency Program, visit Lower Bucks Hospital Residency Program https://lowerbuckshosp.com/our-services/medical-education/ .

 

###

Sources:

  1. Skin Cancer Information. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Published July 10, 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6463151931&gbraid=0AAAAAD8uQZZeUD0J2_W4YroIUhzE1fjL_&gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKItIXFW9tbzp-2ooOQUTDgTZ7PrwYYGn5nuMxbQjxingdj98TkP4qBoCpGIQAvD_BwE
  2. CDC. Skin Cancer. Skin Cancer. Published July 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/index.html
  3. Skin Cancer | Skin Cancer Types. Cancer.org. Published 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/skin-cancer.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google+Grants+-+Cancer+Type+-+BMM&utm_term=skin%20cancer&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10026020570&gbraid=0AAAAAD-12T93mVFFIGRMThK6O_XpPgzHH&gclid=CjwKCAjwv5zEBhBwEiwAOg2YKIKfjx5eSkcJddATzgUkWyIPBUIPhWDDBI9ra_cBNOhXTKQkThXfshoC7PQQAvD_BwE
  4. Dahl HA. Can dark-skinned people get a sunburn? MD Anderson Cancer Center. Published November 27, 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/can-dark-skinned-people-get-a-sunburn.h00-159702279
  5. Sun Safety – Skin Cancer Consortium for Advocacy, Research, & Education. Skin Cancer Consortium for Advocacy, Research, & Education. Published November 20, 2023. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://skincancerinfo.org/sun-safety/
  6. Skin Cancer Resource Center. Aad.org. Published 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer
  7. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Yale Medicine. Published October 22, 2020. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma
  8. Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine. Hopkinsmedicine.org. Published June 20, 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine#:~:text=How%20much%20sunscreen%20do%20I,need%20about%20a%20half%20teaspoon 

 

For more information, visit lowerbuckshosp.com and connect with us on social media:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/lower-bucks-hospital/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LowerBucksHospital

X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/LowerBucksHosp

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lowerbuckshosp/