State Ranks Sussex County 5th in Deadliest Skin Cancer

Sussex County ranks fifth in the state for melanoma, skin cancer's deadliest form, according to the county's Department of Environmental and Public Health Services, which declared July "Ultraviolet Safety Month."

The sun's ultraviolet rays are the main cause of skin caner, the nation's most common type of cancer. Ultraviolet damage can also cause wrinkles and blotchy skin.

Here are 10 steps to protect your skin:

1. Seek the shade, especially during the sun's peak hours (10:00am - 4:00pm).
2. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
3. Cover up with clothing, especially a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
4. Avoid tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
5. Keep newborns out of the sun.
6. Teach children good sun-protective practices.
7. Examine your skin from head to toe once every month.
8. Have a professional examination annually.
9. Avoid tanning and especially - do not burn! (One blistering sunburn doubles your risk for skin cancer.)
10. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after going in the water.

For more information, visit www.sussexagainstcancer.org.