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Sun Exposure
Healthy Eating
Physical Activity
Tobacco Use
Cancer can happen to anyone, but there are risks that predispose or preclude some people from getting cancer and not others. Additionally, there are numerous screenings and preventive measures you can take to lower YOUR risk of getting cancer.
Cancer can happen to anyone, but there are risks that predispose or preclude some people from getting cancer and not others. Additionally, there are numerous screenings and preventive measures you can take to lower YOUR risk of getting cancer.
Sun Exposure
Sun Exposure
Everyone is exposed to natural occurring UV radiation. This type of radiation is invisible and can penetrate, change, and damage skin cells. The sensitivity of one's skin and the intensity and duration of skin exposure matters in how risky the sun can be for YOU. This means how much melanin is in your skin, how long you spend in the sun, and how intense the sun is, can affect your skin.
According to the research to the left, people 18-24 years are 58% likely to always/mostly use sun protection compared to 66% for 25-64 year olds and 72% for 65+ years of age.
In order to better protect yourself from sun exposure, follow these guidelines:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Don’t get sunburned.
- Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad- spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Find sunscreen by searching our Recommended Products.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
- Get all the details: Your Daily Sun Protection Guide.
Healthy Eating
Healthy Eating
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indirect measure of excess body weight calculated using an individual's height and weight.
Nationally, an estimated 5% of cancer cases in men and 11% in women are attributed to excess body weight.
American Cancer Society 2019-2020.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Approximately 3% of cancer cases can be attributed to physical inactivity. There is strong evidence that physical activity decreases the risks of come cancers. Several examples of physical activity are listed above.
In 2017, about 15% of high school students reported no physical activity in the last week.
About 26% of high school students reported at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Studies have shown that being active at high levels helps prevent obesity and weight gain, appearing to reduce cancer and death.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco Use
Among high school students, e-cigarette usage has increased from 2% in 2011 to 21% in 2018.
E-cigarette are addictive and can cause numerous health concerns. Young adults who use e-cigarettes are 2-4 times more likely to smoke cigarettes.
There are numerous smoking cessation programs available designed specifically for high school students. From the Center for Disease Control.
Here’s how:
Many options:
SmokefreeTXT
quitSTART app
Speak to an expert
DipfreeTXT
Smokefreeus on Instagram
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