National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention 'Don't Fry Day' campaign to encourage sun safety awareness

Despite skin cancer's being largely preventable, it remains by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are over two million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, which is more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day, May 27, 2011, as "Don't Fry Day."

This year, the National Council urges everyone to think beyond sunscreen to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. While generous sunscreen usage is an important way to protect your skin from the sun, there are additional sun safety measures that can help prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds;
• Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses;
• Seek shade;
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand;
• Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements.

"As millions of Americans head outdoors for family fun on Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial kick-off to summer – 'Don't Fry Day' is an important reminder for the public to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation while enjoying the outdoors," said Sandra I. Read, M.D., co-chair of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. "While most everyone enjoys a sunny day, keeping your skin safe from overexposure to UV radiation can be easy by practicing simple sun-safety tips."