A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about 7 inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) also is good. These are often sold in sports and outdoor supply stores.

A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the back of the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not recommended unless they are tightly woven.

(Click on our prevention steps for more information)

Cover up.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Read the labels.

Be sure to apply the sunscreen properly.

Be generous with sunscreen.

Wear a hat.

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.

Limit direct sun exposure during midday.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.