Lather up

More people in the U.S. have had skin cancer over the past three decades than all other forms of the disease combined, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans are stricken with skin cancer at some point, often on areas of the body where people forget to apply sunscreen, such as the ears and top of the feet. Heading into summer, here are tips for preventing skin cancer:

• Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Avoid getting sunburns.

• Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

• For extended outdoor activity, apply SPF 30 sunscreen or higher to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

• Examine your body head-to-toe every month.

• Schedule a skin exam with your physician every year.