UV Safety Month: Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage and Skin Cancer This Summer

by | Jul 16, 2026 | Skin Cancer

July is UV Safety Month, making it the perfect time to talk about sun protection, skin cancer prevention, and when to seek expert care for suspicious skin changes. Whether you are spending summer days on the lake, hiking in the Smokies, gardening, or cheering from the sidelines, ultraviolet rays can affect your skin even on cloudy days.

At Premier Surgical Associates, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced care for skin tumors and skin cancers at locations in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson City, TN.

UV Safety Skin Cancer Treatment

Why UV Protection Matters

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to premature aging, while UVB rays are a major cause of sunburn. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage skin and contribute to skin cancer risk. 

The most common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. While many skin cancers are highly treatable when found early, melanoma can be more aggressive, making prevention and early detection especially important.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin

A few daily habits can make a big difference:

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends combining sunscreen with shade and protective clothing. 

Cover up when possible. Long sleeves, lightweight pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses help reduce direct exposure.

Seek shade during peak hours. UV rays are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The CDC recommends shade, protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen as key sun-safety steps. 

Skip tanning beds. Indoor tanning exposes the skin to artificial UV radiation and increases the risk of several types of skin cancer. 

Know the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Check your skin regularly and watch for:

  • New or changing moles
  • Spots that grow, itch, bleed, or become tender
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Changes in color, border, size, or texture

Any suspicious area should be evaluated by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. When skin cancer requires surgical treatment, Premier Surgical Associates offers experienced surgical care close to home.

Surgical Treatment for Skin Tumors and Skin Cancer

Treatment depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the cancer. Surgical options may include excision, removal of a margin of surrounding tissue, curettage and electrodesiccation for select smaller lesions, or lymph node surgery when there is concern that cancer may have spread.

This UV Safety Month, make skin protection part of your summer routine. Sunscreen, shade, protective clothing, and regular skin checks can help lower your risk and support lifelong skin health.

To learn more about surgical treatment for skin tumors and skin cancers, contact Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, or Johnson City, TN.