I need sunblock only if I'm sunbathing.
False. You are exposed to ultraviolet rays whether you are gardening, playing tennis, swimming or watching a Little League game.

Only the noontime sun can hurt me.
False. The sun's rays are most intense from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tanning salons are safe because they use artificial light.
Absolutely false. More and more teenage girls are using tanning salons, unaware of the risks. And many tanning salons have switched from UVA rays to UVB rays, which penetrate the skin even more deeply.

Skin cancer is genetically passed from parent to child.
Rarely. A small percentage of melanomas, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are inherited; basal and squamous cell carcinomas are linked to sun exposure.

I am African American, so I don't have to worry.
False. While darker-pigmented skin has a higher level of melanin for protection, African Americans can also develop cancer from the sun if not protected by sunblock.

A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is good enough.
True. SPF 30 is better than 15, but buy coverage for both UVA and UVB rays.

I can only get cancer if my skin peels.
False. While sunburn can increase the tendency to melanoma, it's exposure over years that increases the risk of basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

It's too late for me.
False. It's never too late to protect your skin from further damage or to catch the early signs of skin cancer. Talk to your doctor and examine your own skin for skin changes.

One dab will do me.
False. Water and sweating diminish sunblock's effectiveness. Always reapply after swimming or exertion.