MSK Direct Presents: Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention

July 8, 2020

Memorial Sloan Kettering (“MSK”) is recognized as a world leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer. Their skin cancer specialists take a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment. They prioritize the quality of life of the people they care for, providing social services, emotional support, integrative medicine, and access to the latest advancements in cancer science. The NYCDCC Welfare Fund partners with MSK to offer MSK Direct, a program that provides guided access to expert clinical care as well as practical and emotional support.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer develops when there’s an out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. A major risk factor is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (“UV”) radiation that comes from the sun or tanning machines.

Be Smart to Reduce Your Risk

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 20 minutes (if using chemical sunscreen) before going outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter. 
• Protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Stay out of the sun from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. when rays are the strongest. 
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, toweling off, or sweating. 
• Seek out shade whenever possible. 
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. 
• Avoid indoor tanning machine. 

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For more information, call the NYCDCC Welfare Fund’s dedicated MSK Direct, line at (833) 786-3368 (US) or (646) 449-1541 (International), or visit www.mskcc.org/nycdcc.