(June 10, 2010) Sellersville, PA - Summer has officially arrived, which means trips to the beach, picnics, and lazy days by the pool. It also means exposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. This summer, Grand View Hospital encourages community members to protect themselves from UV rays to help reduce their risk of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the country.

Research shows that most skin cancers can be prevented if people are protected from UV rays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following options for sun protection:

• Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
• Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Wear a wide brim hat to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
• Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.
• Sunscreen wears off. Re-apply if you’re in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or sweat.

If you have a question or concern about something on your skin, talk to your doctor. To find a physician, call the Grand View Information Line at 215-453-4300 or visit www.gvh.org. For more information on the Regional Cancer Program at Grand View, call 215-453-3356.

Grand View Hospital, a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, works cooperatively with Fox Chase to provide the area with the latest in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Grand View Hospital, Bucks County’s first hospital, has provided residents of Bucks and Montgomery counties with comprehensive health-care services since 1913. Grand View offers a range of inpatient and outpatient care – particularly emphasizing the areas of surgery and orthopaedics, women's and children's health, heart and vascular care, and cancer treatment.