New York State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Protect Themselves From Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is the Most Common Form of Cancer

Five Sunburns Doubles the Risk of Skin Cancer

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 14, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health reminds New Yorkers to protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) this summer. Skin cancer, caused by UV rays from the sun, tanning beds or sunlamps, is deadly and can occur anywhere on the body.

The Department also released a new video featuring Commissioner McDonald reminding New Yorkers to protect themselves from UV rays.

"This summer, prevent damage to your skin by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outside. You can also wear a hat, clothing and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Tanned and sunburned skin is damaged skin. Even when a sunburn or tan fades, the damage caused to skin cells does not. When you protect your skin from sun damage, you are protecting yourself from skin cancer."

Too much exposure to UV rays is the leading cause of skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal, squamous, and melanoma. In New York State, more than 4,500 residents are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Melanoma is the most dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body. Over 365 New Yorkers die from melanoma each year.

Research shows that having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of getting skin cancer and even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. Further studies indicate that experiencing five or more bad sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases the risk of melanoma by 80%.

Avoiding exposure to UV rays is the most important thing to do in order to lower the risk of skin cancer and skin damage. Ultraviolet radiation is present throughout the year, no matter what the weather – clouds do not offer protection from UV rays.

The Department urges New Yorkers to protect themselves by following these simple recommendations: 

  • Wear protective clothing, such as wide brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts and long pants.  
  • Wear sunglasses that block both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). Sunglasses will protect the skin around the eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
  • Use a sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum" with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30 or higher. The higher the number, the better protection from UV rays. (SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays, SPF 50 blocks 98%, etc.)
  • Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Reapply every two hours and sooner after swimming or sweating, regardless of the type or strength of SPF.
  • One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to completely cover the exposed areas of the body.
  • Avoid the midday sun and seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  

Some people are more likely to develop skin cancer. While risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, people with the following risk factors should take special care to reduce their UV exposure:

  • Lighter natural skin color.
  • Family history of skin cancer.
  • History of sunburns, especially early in life.
  • History of indoor tanning.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes. 

People with darker skin tones are still at risk of sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.

Generally, young people are at a greater risk of sunburns and other effects of UV rays because they can lead to an increased risk for future skin cancers. Parents should protect their children by keeping infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight, and keeping older children protected by reapplying sunscreen and covering exposed areas whenever in the sun.

Parents should remember it is against New York State law for anyone under 18 years of age to use a tanning bed, booth or sun lamp at indoor tanning facilities, and valid photo identification must be presented before using the device. Indoor tanning devices can produce UV radiation levels 15 times greater than sunlight. The Department strongly discourages using tanning devices and those who do should follow recommendations outlined in the Tanning Hazards Information Sheet, available in English and Spanish.

The Department recommends discussing any skin concerns and questions about sun protection with your health care provider.

Learn about how the New York State Cancer Consortium's Skin Cancer Action Team works to reduce the melanoma death rate in New York State. 

More information about tanning and sun safety can be found at www.health.ny.gov/sunsafety.