North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News released guidance on April 30 about protecting skin health in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed in May.
The topic is important because skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans expected to develop it by age 70. Early detection and prevention are key strategies for reducing risk.
Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., a food and nutrition specialist at North Dakota State University Extension, said, “We’ve been sharing these reminders in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed in May.” She shared personal experiences and emphasized that while sun exposure may seem harmless when young, its risks become clearer over time. “Unfortunately, the facts tell a different story. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70,” Garden-Robinson said.
Garden-Robinson described several forms of skin cancer: melanoma as the most dangerous type; basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma as more common but still requiring treatment. More than six million adults are treated for basal or squamous cell cancers each year. She added that early detection using the “ABCDE” guide—looking for asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving spots—can save lives.
The article outlined steps to protect against ultraviolet (UV) rays when levels reach three or higher: staying indoors during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and broad-brimmed hats instead of ball caps which leave ears and neck exposed, keeping infants under six months out of direct sunlight since sunscreen is not recommended for them, using wrap-around sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating—and storing sunscreen away from direct heat sources.
As an additional resource for readers seeking healthy summer treats rich in vitamins A and C plus protein—which support skin health—the release included a recipe for Apricot Pops made from canned apricots blended with sugar-free vanilla yogurt.
North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News supports rural communities and promotes sustainable agriculture practices according to the official website. The organization functions as part of North Dakota State University according to its official website and focuses on education, research and extension services supporting agriculture across North Dakota as reported by its official site. It also provides undergraduate and graduate programs related to agriculture, food systems and natural resources according to its official website, operating within the agriculture and natural resources sector as stated on its site.
