5 Tips to Reduce Your Risk for Developing Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and on this "Melanoma Monday" we asked Ryan Sullivan, MD, Associate Director of the Melanoma Program here at the Mass General Cancer Center, about what you can do to reduce your risk for developing this deadly type of skin cancer.

Here are Dr. Sullivan’s 5 tips:

1. Never use indoor tanning booths.

2. Limit time outdoors when the UV index is highest – typically between 10 AM – 2 PM.

3. Apply UV-A and UV-B protective sunscreen liberally to areas of exposed skin when spending time outdoors; reapply every two hours.

4. Wear sun protective clothing – hats, long-sleeve shirts, and pants.

5. Make your doctor aware of any spots on your skin that are new or look different.

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