“What’s on your cup?” someone asked me.

I showed him the sun safety decal. It featured a cartoon sun wearing a broad-brimmed hat and holding a bottle of sunscreen. I was hoping people would notice its colorful text: “Protect Your Skin.”

We’ve been sharing these reminders in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed in May.

“We used to use coconut oil,” my friend added with a laugh.

That comment brought back memories. When I was a teenager, some people spread baby oil mixed with iodine on their skin, then tanned. I tried that once. After about 15 minutes, I was convinced I might burst into flames. I went inside and didn’t go back out.

Over time, I had to adjust to being fair-skinned in all seasons. Back then, I didn’t realize that too much sun exposure was linked to skin cancer and premature aging. When you’re young, those risks don’t seem real. Aging feels far away.

Unfortunately, the facts tell a different story. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common, but they still require treatment. In fact, more than 6 million adults are treated for basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers each year.

The encouraging news is that skin cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Early detection through regular skin checks can save lives.

Watch for the warning signs using the “ABCDE” guide:

• Asymmetry – the two halves of a spot do not match
• Border irregularity – edges are ragged, notched or blurred
• Color – uneven shades of brown, black, red, white or blue
• Diameter – usually larger than a pencil eraser
• Evolving – any change in size, shape or color

We also have many effective ways to protect our skin. When the ultraviolet (UV) index is 3 or higher, be sure to take precautions. That level means the UV rays can damage your skin in 15 minutes without protection.

Stay in the shade whenever possible, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Keep in mind that UV rays can still reach your skin on cloudy days.

Whether working outdoors, fishing, golfing or gardening, cover your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Choose a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears and neck. Ball caps may protect your face, but they leave your ears and neck exposed. Some people who regularly wear ball caps also wear scars from skin cancer removal.

Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight, as sunscreen is not recommended for them.

Protect your eyes with wrap-around sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. When applied properly, SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97% of UVB rays, but it must be reapplied every two hours — even more if you are swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is truly waterproof.

Store sunscreen out of direct sunlight, such as in the shade or wrapped in a towel. Be sure to discard sunscreen after its expiration date or within three years of purchase.

As the weather warms up, you might also be looking for a cool treat. Here’s a simple recipe that includes nutrients important for skin health, such as vitamins A and C and protein:

Apricot Pops

1 (15-ounce) can apricots (packed in juice)
2 (6-ounce) cartons sugar-free vanilla yogurt
8 small paper cups
8 wooden sticks or plastic spoons

Drain the apricots, then blend them with the yogurt until smooth. Pour the mixture into paper cups and freeze. After about 30 minutes, insert a wooden stick or spoon into each cup. Continue freezing for 3-4 hours, until solid. To serve, run warm water over the outside of the cups for about 20 seconds.

Makes eight servings. Each serving contains about 70 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 20 milligrams of sodium.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

NDSU Agriculture Communication – April 30, 2026

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu