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Arch Dermatol. 1998;134:763.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

MAY HAS been designated National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). In 1998, approximately 1 million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas will be detected, and approximately 41,600 new cases of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed.¹ In addition, in 1998, an estimated 9200 persons will die from skin cancer. This month is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important behavioral risk factor for skin cancer. Measures to prevent skin cancer include 1) reducing direct exposure to the sun, especially during midday hours (i.e., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) when the sun's rays are the strongest; 2) wearing protective clothing (e.g., broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sun glasses); and 3) using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect . . . [Full Text of this Article]