Seek the Shade for Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin cancer is a disease that affects people of every age, gender and ethnicity. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70; in fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined..but there is good news. Because skin cancer is chiefly a lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable.  About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Knowing the risk factors and practicing sun protection year-round are key to reducing your risk.

Protect yourself from the sun and enjoy the outdoors at the same time with a beautiful home enhancement such as an awning for your deck or patio. Our awnings at Coastal Canvas Products are made with Sunbrella shade fabrics that are high in UPF protection, and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin as a part of a complete sun protection regimen, including the regular use of sunscreen.

Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the “shadow rule.” If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense. A retractable awning can be a wonderful asset to have as it provides sun protection when you want it then, with the simple touch of a button or the turn of a crank, your awning easily disappears so that you can enjoy the stars instead of the sun above.