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Medical ProfessionalsPublic Service ProgramsSun Safe Sports

Sun Safe Sports

Playing outdoor sports and activities can entail a lot of sun exposure but can be enjoyed safely when appropriate measures are taken to reduce sun exposure and the risk for skin cancer. It’s important for everyone (at any age, gender or ethnicity) to understand sun-safe behaviors and why they are an important step in the fight against skin cancer.

 

ASDS member Jordan Slutsky, MD, practicing Sun Safe Surfing in the tropical waves of Indonesia with his hooded UPF 50+ sun-protective rash guard.

Did You Know:

  • More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer over the course of their lifetime.1
  • Skin cancers are largely caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and is the most preventable form of cancer.2
  • Over time, being in the sun often – even if you don’t burn – can lead to skin cancer.3
  • Studies have shown that sunscreen use reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.4
  • Sun exposure early in life is the leading cause of skin cancer in adulthood.5
  • Most sun damage is done before 18 years of age.6

Sun Safe Sports is a self-service program* that provides tips for skin cancer prevention to promote lifelong healthy skin habits. Coaches, physical education teachers, parents and any outdoor activity enthusiast can foster healthy sun safe behaviors and instill a lifetime habit of protection against skin cancer. Follow the steps below and promote sun safety in your community to spread the skin cancer awareness message!

Photo: ASDS member Jordan Slutsky, MD, practicing Sun Safe Surfing in the tropical waves of Indonesia with his hooded UPF 50+ sun-protective rash guard.

Tents used at a children’s soccer game help protect against the sun's damaging UV rays and prevent skin cancer.

Tips for Sun Safe Sports and Activities

  • Apply sunscreen, the best defense against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, before heading outside – rain or shine.
    • In order to be effective, sunscreen must be applied to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun and water exposure, especially when vigorous activity is planned.
    • Board certified dermatologists recommend wearing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UV-A and UV-B) Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher sunscreen. ASDS does not endorse any particular brand of sunscreen.
    • Daily sunscreen use is vital because UV light is present year round, not just in the summer, and penetrates clouds, even on rainy days.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, which indicates the level of protection the garment provides from the sun’s UV rays, on a scale from 15 to 50+. The material in UPF clothing protects skin from the sun and keeps the body cool. Multiple companies manufacture clothing lines that include long sleeves, swimsuits, rash guards/wetsuits, hats and sunglasses.
  • Seek shade and avoid sun exposure whenever possible. Put tents over bench areas and encourage breaks in the game be spent in the shade (or indoors if possible).
  • Drink water to stay hydrated and fuel up on healthy snacks.

Make children’s (and all sports participants') health and safety a priority. Practice sun safe behaviors daily to build lifelong healthy skin habits!

Photo: Tents used at a children’s soccer game help protect against the sun's damaging UV rays and prevent skin cancer.

*Sun Safe Sports was derived by the ASDS Public Service Work Group from projects created in the ASDS Future Leaders Network by Ian Maher, MD, and Jordan Slutsky, MD.

References

  1. Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.
  2. American Cancer Society. UV Radiation
  3. Erie County, New York Department of Health. Is a Suntan Worth Your Life?
  4. Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29(3):257-263.
  5. Truhan AP. Sun Protection in Childhood. Clinical Pediatrics. 1991 Dec;30(12):676-681.
  6. Pustisek N, Sikanić-Dugić N, Hirsl-Hećej V, Domljan ML. Acute skin sun damage in children and its consequences in adults. Coll Antropol. 2010 Apr;34 Suppl 2:233-7. PMID: 21302727.