Summer Sun Safety Month

Beaches and outdoor settings become popular spaces when the sun comes out. August is Summer Sun Safety Month in 2026, an annual campaign that raises awareness of the importance of protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure. Too much sun exposure can increase your risk for conditions like skin and eye cancer. Starling provides access to expert advice and support services for those affected by cancer. View our top sun safety tips and learn more about the importance of sun safety. 

Why Is Sun Safety Important?

Staying safe in the sun during the summer helps protect your skin from sun damage, which could increase your risk for skin cancers, such as carcinomas and melanomas. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. 

UV rays can damage your skin, but you may not notice it right away. The sun emits UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. UVA rays are absorbed through your skin, reaching deep into the dermis, while UVB rays affect the outer layer of the skin, directly damaging DNA. Protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a critical risk-reducing measure, and it may lower the risk of premature aging and eye damage. 

How to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk?

Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or going for a walk through the woods, it’s important to be proactive. Here are some of the best ways to protect your skin from UV rays this summer:

• Wear sun-protective (UPF) clothing: Protective clothing is a simple but effective way to stay safe from the sun. UPF clothing can offer full-body protection from the sun, and unlike sunscreen, you don’t need to reapply it throughout the day. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also help protect the sensitive skin on your face from sun damage. 
• Limit exposure to UV rays: While it can be tempting to spend as much time in the sun as possible, it’s important to take shade breaks and limit your exposure. The sun isn’t the only culprit. UV rays are also found in tanning beds and sunlamps. When you go outside, even on cloudy and cool days, remember that UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during daylight saving time. We recommend limiting your time in the sun during this part of the day.
• Wear sunscreen: One of the best ways to protect against skin cancer from the summer sun is to wear sunscreen and a hat when you go outside. There are two main types of sunscreen — physical blockers and chemical blockers. Physical blockers reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun, and chemical blockers contain ingredients that absorb those UV rays. 

Learn More From Starling Oncology

Starling Oncology is a trusted provider of cancer education, prevention support, and personalized care. We offer world-class medical care that seeks to empower patients, and we’re passionate about educating people on topics like preventing skin cancer in the summer. Check out our blog to learn more about cancer prevention, symptoms, and advances in oncology. 

If you or someone you love has received a cancer diagnosis, we’re here to support you. Reach out to request an appointment today. 

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