In 2014, the United States Surgeon General issued a call to action to help prevent skin cancer in
America. With 5 million people treated each year in the United States, and an estimated annual cost of
$8.1 billion in treatment, his objective is to increase awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.
The report calls for key stakeholders to consider skin cancer as a “major public health problem.” In
particular, the report outlines five strategic goals to help prevent skin cancer in the United States:
1. Increase opportunities for sun protection in outdoor settings;
2. Provide individuals with the information they need to make informed, healthy choices about
ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure;
3. Promote policies that advance the national goal of preventing skin cancer;
4. Reduce harms from indoor tanning; and
5. Strengthen research, surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation related to skin cancer prevention.
Just one year later, MB Miami Beach Suncare, along with the City of Miami Beach, Mount Sinai Medical
Center and the MB Foundation, responded to this call by launching an initiative to offer free sunscreen
to all who live, work and play on Miami Beach. The first of its kind in the nation, the project includes 50
public sunscreen dispensers located throughout the City of Miami Beach at the beach access points
(near a lifeguard stand), the public parks and pools. The project launched just in time for the City’s
Centennial Celebration as a gift for the community.
Our goal is make sunscreen accessible as a reminder of the importance of protecting your skin from the
intense Miami sun, 365 days of the year. We hope to be able to facilitate partnerships like this in other
areas of the country in an effort to expand this program throughout the U.S. and abroad while truly
making an impact in helping to prevent skin cancer.
Source:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin
Cancer. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2014.
80% of all UV rays can penetrate clouds
60% of all UV rays occur between 10am and 2pm
25% of all UV rays reflect off of water
17% of UV rays reflect off of sand
Shade can reduce UV exposure by 50% or more
Sunscreen combines ingredients to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. There
are two types of UV rays that you need to protect against:
· Ultraviolet (UV) A: Longer wavelength causing lasting skin damage, skin aging and can cause
skin cancer.
· Ultraviolet (UV) B: Shorter wavelength causing burning, skin damage and can cause skin cancer.
· Broad spectrum formulas protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
· Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays.
For instance, an SPF 15 will protect your skin from burning up to 15 times longer that it would
take for your skin to burn without SPF protection.
· By using sunscreen on a regular basis, you give your skin a break from fighting off UV rays and
enable it to begin healing from previous skin damage.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
· Use sunscreen every time you are in the sun
· Reapply every 1-2 hours to ensure appropriate skin protection
· Swim near a lifeguard
· Ask your lifeguards questions about ocean safety
· Listen to your lifeguards
· Keep yourself hydrated drinking plenty of water
· When used as directed with other sun protection measures, our broad spectrum sunscreens
not only protect against sunburn, but decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging
caused by the sun.
· Apply liberally and spread evenly at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow maximum
absorption and protection
· Ensure to apply sufficient sunscreen to get the proper coverage (roughly 2 tablespoons to cover
your face and exposed areas of the body). If you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen
appears on the skin. Reducing the quantity used lowers the level of protection significantly.
· Remember to pay special attention to sensitive and hard to reach areas including your ears,
neck, feet and upper back.
· Reapply at least every two hours. Reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling.
· Apply sprays to your face by hand and ensure to spray in the direction of the wind for proper
coverage.
· Limit time in the sun, particularly between 10am and 2pm when the sun’s rays are the
strongest.
· Use other sun protection measures with your sunscreen like long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats
and sunglasses.
· Always protect kids from the sun using protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreens. According to the US
Surgeon General, sunburns in childhood are a clear risk factor for skin cancers later in life.
Fun in the Sun-Safety
Understanding UV:
Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Tips:
Sunscreen Usage Tips: