INDIANA – To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day, May 24, 2024, as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness and remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
This year’s “Sun Safety—Make It Yours” campaign highlights our responsibility to keep ourselves and our loved ones sun safe.
“Since more than 90% of skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet radiation – from the sun or indoor tanning devices – promoting sun safety awareness can help reduce future risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma. Don’t Fry Day is a great way to share this important message, with tips on encouraging sun safety and awareness,” says Jeffrey Gershenwald, M.D., National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention co-chair.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation. Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day – more than breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers combined. One out of every five Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
Skin cancer is highly preventable, and Americans can dramatically reduce their risk of skin cancer by:
- Not burning or tanning intentionally – no tan is a safe tan
- Generously applying sunscreen (remembering to reapply every two hours)
- Wearing sun-protective clothing
- Covering up with hats and sunglasses
- Seeking shade during peak times of the day
- Using extra caution near water, snow, and sand
About Don’t Fry Day:
“Don’t Fry Day,” now in its 16th year, is a public awareness campaign that aims to reduce the number of new skin cancer diagnoses by promoting sun safety and encouraging people to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
Learn more at https://www.skincancerprevention.org/programs/dont-fry-day/
