Whether you are planning beach or mountain trips, gardening or simply being out and about in your neighborhood this summer, be sure to pack the sunscreen to protect your skin against the sun.

“The American Cancer Society estimates more than one million new cases of highly curable basal and squamous cell cancers will be diagnosed this year,” said Dr. Ellen Smoak, clothing and textiles specialist with N.C. A&T State University. “Protecting skin from the sun could prevent a vast majority of skin cancers.”

Estimates show that 53,600 people will be diagnosed this year with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. An estimated 9,600 deaths will occur this year; 7,400 from melanoma and 2,200 from other skin cancers.

Although prevention is the best weapon against skin cancer, early detection is also important. Develop a regular routine to inspect your whole body carefully for any skin changes. If any growth, mole, sore or skin discoloration appears suddenly, or any spot begins to change, see your doctor or dermatologist immediately.

For more information, visit www.cancer.org or www.aad.org.

Screen Out the Sun for Safety

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the rays are most intense.

• Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants.

• Wear a 4-inch-wide, broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, even when out in the sun for a short time.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher on all exposed skin.

• Stay in the shade whenever possible. Apply sunscreen even when you’re under a beach umbrella, since the rays can reflect off the sand. They also reflect off concrete, snow and water.

• Don’t forget that lips can get sunburned, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen.

• Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside.

• A 1-ounce application (a palmful) is recommended to cover the body well. If you don’t put on an adequate amount, you will not get the proper protection. Pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands and arms.

• Reapply sunscreens every two hours and immediately after swimming or strenuous activities.

• Use sunscreen even on hazy days or days with light or broken cloud cover, because 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, fog or mist.

• Apply sunscreen every day if you are going to be out in the sun for at least 20 minutes.

• Sunscreens should not be used to increase the length of time you spend in the sun.