May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

SAN DIEGO - May 7, 2014 - PRLog -- The month of May is often the time for golfers to tune up their game as they get ready for their spring and summer rounds.  May is also Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a good time for golfers to learn how to protect themselves in the sun and to schedule an exam to see what sun damage they may have incurred. The Sun SafeTee® Program is committed to delivering that message.

“Every year more skin cancers are diagnosed than lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.  Since golfers spend a significant amount of time in the sun, they are at a greater risk than the general public for developing skin cancer” according to Sun SafeTee Founder Mark Wishner.

Wishner went on to say “The good news is that many forms of skin cancer when caught early can be curable.  Being knowledgeable and visiting a dermatologist can dramatically increase one’s likelihood of early detection and successful treatment. Education is the key to both preventing skin cancer and for getting timely treatment.”

In regard to sun protection, The Sun SafeTee Program suggests that clothing is the best protection in the sun.  When it comes to sunscreen, the organization suggests that golfers always use sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and one that has broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) coverage.  Since many sunscreens only last for two hours, the motto of The Sun SafeTee Program is “Don’t burn…Reapply at the turn”.

The Sun SafeTee Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit sun protection and skin cancer awareness program designed specifically for the golf community.  Sun SafeTee is a partner with The First Tee, The Golf Coaches Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association, The National Golf Course Owners Association and many regional and local programs.  To learn more about the Sun SafeTee Program or to make a tax deductible donation, go to www.sunsafetee.org