May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Published on May 11, 2026

Temperatures are finally climbing, it’s staying light outside longer – perfect conditions for getting out of the house and into backyards, parks, pools and nature.

While we love fun in the sun, the Oak Park Public Health Department encourages all community members to be "Sun Safe" for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May. Some things to keep in mind about sun safety, sun exposure and skin cancer prevention:

The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone use sunscreen that includes broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.

Choosing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protects your skin from sunburn, early aging and skin cancer. However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to wearing sunscreen dermatologists recommend you: 

• Seek shade. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is a risk factor for skin cancer, so staying out of the direct sun between peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is a way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
• Wear sun-protective clothing such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, you may wish to use a self-tanning product but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.