Protect Your Skin. Know the Signs. Stay Well.
Northern California sunshine is part of our community's daily life. Get expert-backed guidance on sun safety, and connect with Northbay Health's network of dermatologists and cancer screening teams — close to home.
Skin Cancer Facts
1 in 5
Americans develop skin cancer
99%
Survival rate when caught early
SPF 30+
Recommended daily protection
Local Care
Solano, Napa & Yolo counties
Best Practices for Protecting Your Skin
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States — but also one of the most preventable. Follow these evidence-based practices to protect yourself and your family every day.
1. Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily
Use SPF 30 or higher — rain or shine. Apply 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Don't forget ears, neck, and the tops of feet.
2. Seek Shade Between 10am and 4pm
UV rays are strongest in the midday hours. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, especially during Northern California's warmer months.
3. Wear Protective Clothing & Eyewear
Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses reduce exposure significantly. Look for UPF-rated clothing for extended outdoor activities.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds & Reflective Surfaces
Indoor tanning increases melanoma risk by 75%. Sand, snow, and water can reflect up to 80% of UV rays — increasing your exposure unexpectedly.
5. Perform Regular Self-Checks
Examine your skin head-to-toe monthly. Use the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. See a dermatologist annually — or sooner if anything changes.
6. Protect Children & Check Medications
Children's skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Some medications — including common antibiotics and blood pressure drugs — can increase sun sensitivity. Ask your provider.
Early detection saves lives. Talk to your primary care doctor about skin screenings today.
Most health insurances accepted. Locations in Solano, Napa and Yolo counties.
Skin Cancer Care at NorthBay Health
Prevention and early detection are the best defenses against skin cancer—but if you do receive a diagnosis, you don't have to face it alone. At Northbay Health, we provide compassionate, coordinated care close to home, guiding you through every step with expertise and support.
While routine dermatology services are provided through trusted community partners, our team is here to ensure a seamless transition into advanced care when it's needed most.
Our Integrated Approach Includes:
- Timely Diagnostic Support. If a concerning lesion is identified, we coordinate prompt biopsy and pathology services to deliver answers quickly and reduce uncertainty.
- Advanced Surgical Care. Access to specialized procedures, including Mohs surgery, ensures precise removal of skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
- Comprehensive Cancer Treatment. Through the Northbay Health Heidi Y Campini Cancer Center, patients have access to a full spectrum of oncology services for melanoma and other advanced skin cancers, including medical and radiation oncology.
- Personalized Care Coordination. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, our care teams help navigate appointments, answer questions, and provide ongoing support for you and your family.
Access to world-class expertise, close at home
As a Mayo Clinic Care Network member, Northbay Health physicians can consult with Mayo Clinic specialists on complex cases — giving our community access to one of the nation's top medical networks without leaving their county.
Answers to Your Sun & Skin Health Questions
Have questions about sun protection, skin checks, or what to expect at your visit? We've compiled the most common questions from patients across Solano, Napa, and Yolo counties.
Higher Risk? Know Your Factors.
- Fair skin, light hair, or light eye color
- History of severe or blistering sunburns
- Extensive lifetime sun exposure
- Family or personal history of skin cancer
- Many moles or atypical moles
- Weakened immune system
- Use of tanning beds before age 35
If you have risk factors, don't wait for symptoms. Early screening is your most powerful tool.
Your Skin Health Starts Here
Northbay Health's network of board-certified dermatologists and oncologists are ready to help you—with screenings, diagnosis, and treatment right here between the Bay and the Valley. Get the process started with your primary care doctor today.
