Could Cowboy Hats Help Prevent Skin Cancer?

This year, more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.

Sorry to start us off on such a somber note, but it’s a shocking statistic that becomes even more sobering when you realize that it’s preventable! I’m not going to bore you with the science behind skin cancer, but basically: more exposure to the sun = higher instances of skin cancer. And since farmers, ranchers and hobby farmers spend a great deal more time in the sun than the average person, they are at a higher risk. So here are some easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer!

1) Wear A Cowboy Hat (It looks good too!)

I’m going to be brutally honest here. You know that farm cap that you love to wear? Well, it’s gotta take a backseat* when you’re working outside. 80% of skin cancers occur on the head and neck, so it’s recommended that you wear a 4-inch brim hat to protect your face, ears and neck all in one go. Our hat expert Josh from PFI Western Store, home of BootDaddy, recommends these two hats for everyday protection:

The Atwood Hereford Low Crown 7x Palm Leaf Hat

The Hat Biz Rodeo Bangora 50X Straw Hat

2) Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Light colored clothing will help you stay cool, while still providing protection from the sun. Plus, some companies, like Cinch and Ariat build in SPF protection into their shirts! We also like this tan Wrangler shirt for its good looks and ability to hide stains better than bright white:

Wrangler Men’s Tan Tone on Tone Shirt

3) Use Sunscreen!

I know it may seem like a chore to rub in a little sunscreen, but trust me, if it saves you the trips to the Doctor’s office, it’ll be worth it! Plus, make sure you check to see if your sunscreen is in date. If it’s expired, toss it and get a new bottle.

4) Work Smart

The sun is the most intense between the hours of 10am and 2pm, so if at all possible, get your work done before or after those hours.

The Takeaways: