RICHMOND—Any amount of sun exposure can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, but for farmers and others who frequently work outdoors, that risk is greater still.

“Farmers often have a lifetime of sun exposure, which places them at an increased risk of developing skin cancers. They should make it a habit to make sun safety practices a part of their daily routine,” said Jimmy Maass, safety manager for Virginia Farm Bureau and a part-time farmer.

Skin cancer is classified as a lifestyle disease, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nearly 13 million Americans are living with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, and nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

But because skin cancer is a lifestyle disease, it is highly preventable with extra precaution.

Try to stay in the shade when possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid sunburn, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends. The risk for melanoma doubles for a person who has had five or more sunburns at any point in his or her life.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes. “Make sure when you purchase sunglasses that they say they protect against UVA and UVB rays,” Maass said. “Sometimes cheaper sunglasses may be dark, but they will allow the pupil to open wider and can let in damaging rays.”

Clothing is often the most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright-or dark-colored fabrics and a broad-brimmed hat.

“The more skin you cover, the better, so I usually choose long sleeves and long pants, even though it is warm outside,” Maass said.

Wear a water- and sweat-resistant broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or greater. For extended outdoor activity, an SPF of 30 or greater is recommended. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Examine your skin head-to-toe every month to detect the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately. It’s also a good idea to have a professional skin exam annually.

For more information, visit skincancer.org.

Contact Maass at 804-290-1379.