Travel nurses have the privilege of visiting different states for work and, on their free time, exploring various new must-visit locations, including national parks, beaches, mountains, and grand amusement parks. Being under the sun can be highly enjoyable, but without the proper protection, it can lead to sunburns and even the most common type of cancer in the United States: skin cancer.
There are about 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers that are diagnosed every year in the US, and this number is steadily increasing over the years. Fortunately, deaths from skin cancer are not common. However, older people or those with compromised immune systems who develop skin cancer are at a higher risk of dying from it.
This article provides details about the risk factors for developing skin cancer as well as important tips for preventing it, aimed at helping travel nurses stay healthy while traveling and having fun outdoors.
Who’s more at risk for developing skin cancer?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are factors that increase the risk of developing skin cancer:
- Skin type: Having a lighter natural skin color that burns, freckles, reddens, and becomes painful under the sun
- Hair color: Having natural blonde or red hair
- Eye color: Having blue or green eyes
- Moles: Having certain types and a large number of moles
- Family history: Having family members who have a history of skin cancer
- Age: Older individuals
- Sunburn or tanning: A history of having sunburns or tanning
Travel tips to avoid sunburn and skin cancer
Understand the UV index
It’s not enough to look at the weather and temperature — it’s essential to understand what the UV index is and how it can impact your risk of developing skin cancer. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides UV index categories and the appropriate guidance for individuals:
| UV Index Number | Category | Sun Protection Guidance |
| 1 to 2 | Low | · Wear sunglasses
· Cover up and use sunscreen if you burn easily |
| 3 to 5 | Moderate | · Cover up and use sunscreen if you will be outside
· Stay in the shade near midday |
| 6 to 7 | High | · Protection against sunburn is needed
· Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. · Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen |
| 8 to 10 | Very high | · Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly
· Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen |
| 11+ | Extreme | · Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes.
· Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. · Seek shade, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen |
Wear sunscreen regularly (and properly)
Wearing sunscreen is crucial when it comes to preventing skin cancer and photoaging, which is the premature aging of the skin due to chronic exposure to UVA and UVB radiation. However, not a lot of people religiously use sunscreen. According to a 2022 survey, only 33.7% of US-based adults routinely (always or almost always) applied sunscreen.
It’s ideal to use either a chemical or a mineral sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Use about a dime-sized amount of sunscreen on your face and neck, or use more as needed.
Wear UPF clothing
When going hiking or walking outdoors (and checking out the local must-see spots), wear sun and UV-protective clothing and accessories that can help shield you from the sun’s rays. Sun-protective clothing — or clothing with a UV protection factor (UPF) —can help keep you protected against sun damage and skin cancer.
If you’re driving, especially if you’re traveling long distances, wear UPF sun-protective clothing (preferably long-sleeved and collared UV-protective shirts), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Taking precautions against sun exposure is vital to prevent skin cancer and premature aging caused by UVA and UVB rays. We hope that these tips can help you stay happy and healthy while traveling to different states, whether for work or pleasure.
