As summer is just around the corner, you and your family might find yourselves outside more often. We at ShapeShifter Fish and Friends hope you’ll take this opportunity to read on about how you and your family can practice #safesun. It’s not only important to wear sun protective clothing to prevent sunburns, but also to block the harmful UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. That is why we continue to grow our 20+ Fish and Friends designs/colors, in sizes for your whole family, to make it easy (and safe) to #getoutside.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
Research suggests that at least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by 70 years old. The condition is also diagnosed in more than 9,500 people every day in the United States, and more than two people die of skin cancer each hour.In general, skin cancer is classified as:
- Nonmelanoma skin cancer - this includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). They’re the most common forms of skin cancer.
- Melanoma skin cancer - Melanoma skin cancer is less common than BCC and SCC. However, it’s more serious since it can quickly spread throughout your body if you do not get early treatment
In most cases, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. UV light damages DNA, resulting in cell mutations. UV light also decreases the immune system’s ability to get rid of cancerous cells. So now you know what we mean when we talk about the importance of our sun protective wear that blocks 97% of these harmful rays.
Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, even kids.
Although people with lighter skin tones are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, anyone can get it. Folks with darker skin tones are often diagnosed at a later stage, which make them more prone to it becoming terminal. And sadly, even kids are at risk…
Even though there are only 300 400 cases each year in the U.S., exposure to sunlight at a young age is a major contributing factor in developing skin cancer later in life. That is why we recommend teaching your kids the benefits of sun protective wear at an early age, and offer UPF50+ shirts start in Toddler size 2T.
Sunblock is good, but UPF clothing is safer, and easier! No need to reapply, as the UV blocking technology comes from the chemical-free fabric weave. Sunburns in childhood and adolescence significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma later in life. Limiting exposure to sunlight in our kids helps prevent skin cancers later in their life.
Skin cancer is highly preventable.
Here are some tips to help your family practice #safesun this Summer with ShapeShifter Fish and Friends:
- Base with sunblock - we like to apply to areas like our face, neck and legs prior to getting dressed
- Wear sun protective clothing ranked UPF 50+ - wear these products all year round, even when it’s cloudy or rainy
- Wear sunglasses - choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays when you’re outside during the day like our ShapeShifter Shades
- Wear a hat - protect your face, neck, and ears by wearing hats like the ones we have featuring your favorite Fish and Friends
- Look for shade - whenever possible, stay in shady areas to prevent excessive or intense sun exposure
- Avoid direct sun exposure - UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If possible, stay inside during these times or use an umbrella or tent
- Avoid tanning - tanning in the sun or in tanning beds