In The Human Side of Cancer, Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, explores the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath.

AVOIDING SKIN CANCER

Rules for Summer Sun

• Choose sun-protective clothing
• Apply sunscreen
• Avoid sunburn
• Never work on a tan
• Avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight
• Cover up with a hat and shirt
• Never lie out in the sun
• Seek shade while engaging in outdoor activities

Use of Suncreen

• Apply sunscreen to all parts of the body not protected by clothing
• Use a suncreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher; higher is better
• Judge sunscreen efficacy by SPF; not by price
• In choosing a sunscreen, ultraviolet light (UVA) protection is a bonus
• For longer exposures, choose a water-resistant or "sports" formula
• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or working up a sweat