May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and it's a great time to stock up on tennis gear and apparel that protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
Did you know that skin cancer affects more than 3 million Americans every year? Worldwide that figure is nearly double. While skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, it's also one of the easiest to prevent. Today's tennis apparel has built-in sun protection, along with a host of textile technologies.
In fact, tennis apparel manufacturers like adidas, Nike, Tail, Jofit, and Inphorm, are creating lightweight pieces that appeal to athleisure customers. Fast-drying, moisture-wicking, and stretchy fabric are almost standards nowadays.
One example is the Lucky in Love LUV Breeze long-sleeve crew. It has a UPF 50+, which means it will block 98 percent of the sun’s rays.
Likewise, the men's IBKUL Long Sleeve Crew is a long-sleeve, fast-drying top for athletic wear. It comes equipped with two-way circulation to keep you cool and dry throughout your entire match. Plus, it too has UPF 50+.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, fabrics made with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can significantly reduce your skin's exposure to powerful UV radiation.
5 Truths of Skin Cancer
Modern medicine and education have slowed down various types of skin cancer. While the prognosis and treatment options are promising, cancer in any form is still very serious.
The simple truths about skin cancer:
On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if they have had more than five sunburns during their lifetime.
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
Melanoma accounts for 6 percent of new cancer cases in men and 5 percent of new cancer cases in women.
Men who are 49 or younger have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer.
Women 49 and under are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer with the exception of breast and thyroid cancers.
Several Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Skin:
• Avoid playing tennis during the height of the day when the sun is most powerful
• Play tennis in the early morning hours or in the evening
• Wear tennis apparel with UV protection & apply sunblock to any exposed skin. Protect your face with a hat or sun visor, & take cover in the shade during changeovers
Discover quality tennis apparel at Tennis-Point.com and be mindful in May, and all summer long.