Wellness Beauty 5 Best Ways to Protect Against Skin Cancer There are many things you can do to protect against skin cancer. Here's how to stay safe. By Health.com Editorial Team Health.com Editorial Team The editors at Health are a dedicated team of experienced health editors, writers, and other media professionals who strive to bring trustworthy and responsible health and medical content to their readers. As a team, we have decades of experience in health journalism and have worked at legacy publishers and some of the biggest news and media companies in the U.S. health's editorial guidelines Published on September 28, 2013 Share Tweet Pin Email Did you know that one American dies from melanoma every hour? A tragic rate, experts say: This cancer is curable when caught early. The good news is that there are many things you can do to protect against skin cancer. Here are some of the best ways to stay safe. 01 of 05 Use SPF daily Getty Images "Women put away their sunblock after Labor Day but should use SPF year-round," Dr. Marmur says. Cancer-causing UV A and UV B rays are ever present. 02 of 05 Avoid tanning beds forever Getty Images They're a known cancer causer. That's why the FDA is seeking more strongly worded labels on machines. Meanwhile, the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF ) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about Jersey Shore, requesting a warning about tanning hazards on reruns. Sorry, Snooki. 03 of 05 Check yourself monthly Getty Images The SCF advises using a hand mirror and a full-length mirror to do a head-to-toe once a month in a well-lighted room. Ask a partner to check your posterior. Look for anything out of the ordinary—what derms call "the ugly duckling factor." Even the busiest doctors should get you in ASAPif you say you've found a weird mole. 04 of 05 Size up your doctor today Getty Images Use this article as a checkup: If you're not getting the exam you deserve, ask a doc you trust for a referral to a medical dermatologist she'd send family to. 05 of 05 Get screened yearly Getty Images Undergo a skin cancer screening at least once a year, or as often as recommended, depending on yourrisk. Some doctors take photos of atypical moles to track them—a smart practice. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit