Temperatures in the First State are reaching the low 90s for this first time this year, starting this week, and Delaware's Division of Public Health says "don't forget to wear sunscreen."
More than 1,500 Delawareans were diagnosed with melanoma between 2009 and 2013.
Delaware Division of Public Health's Bureau Chief of Chronic Disease and head of the cancer program Lisa Henry said that’s why it’s important to remember to wear sunscreen - especially during the spring and summer.
"We really, really encourage this for children, young adults. We know that a lot of skin damage happens when we’re younger and the effects of that - we don’t see until much later," Henry said.
Overexposure to sun without sunscreen can cause sunburn and skin damage, which could lead to skin cancer later in life. The peak age group diagnosed with the deadliest form of melanoma is 75 to 84 years old, Henry said.
The Division of Public Health recommends you apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on a daily basis. They say you should re-apply every two hours, or immediately after swimming.
Henry said even when temperatures are not as high as 90, Delawareans should wear sunscreen.
"You can be exposed to the sun's harmful rays all year long, even if it's cloudy," Henry said.
More information on the importance of wearing sunscreen can be found here.