Most skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning beds. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, may also be linked to exposure to hazardous chemicals encountered in the line of duty, increasing firefighters’ risk of developing the disease.
Outrun the Sun is helping firefighters learn how to prevent skin cancer and detect it in its earliest, most treatable stages. If you are a firefighter and would like to share our educational materials with your department or station, register today to access these free resources.
There are many ways to protect your skin, including wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Always seek shade, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and be sun smart!