Summer Sun Safety Advice: Oncology Nurse Shares Expert Tips

As MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey prepares to host the FIFA World Cup Final in 2026, healthcare experts are warning fans that the unseen opponent of the tournament will be the sweltering summer sun. With New Jersey slated to be one of the hottest venues of the event, the risk of severe sun exposure is reaching unprecedented levels for millions of expected visitors.

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), the official healthcare partner for the NY/NJ host city, is launching a major public health initiative to address the dangers of sun exposure during the month-long celebration. The initiative arrives as skin cancer rates continue to climb, with an estimated 112,000 new cases of invasive melanoma projected in the U.S. for 2026.

Diane Stanaway, MSN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, ONN-CG, an oncology nurse navigator and clinical advocate at Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center, emphasizes that proper protection starts with choosing the right products. While many consumers reach for lower SPF levels, Stanaway advises using an SPF of at least 30. She notes that while SPF 5, 8, or 15 are common, "they’re not the best." Conversely, she points out that SPF ratings of 70 or 100 are "not any more effective than the 30."

Effective protection also requires consistent maintenance. Stanaway stresses the "importance of applying it every two hours," particularly for those engaging in water sports or sweating in the summer heat. This advice aligns with broader health data showing that regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher can reduce melanoma risk by 50%.

However, Stanaway warns that sunscreen should not be the only line of defense. "I don't trust the sunscreen solely," she says, noting that she personally wears long-sleeved shirts and hoods when outdoors to protect her head, face, and arms. She also highlights the necessity of sunglasses, warning that "the sun will do damage to your eyes later in life."

Timing is another critical factor in sun safety. Stanaway recommends staying out of the sun during peak hours, specifically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is especially vital for children and young adults; statistics show that five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase melanoma risk by 80%.

"Protect the children now," Stanaway urged parents, explaining that sun damage is cumulative and often manifests later in life. She reflects on her own experiences with skin cancer, recalling a dermatologist who told her she was "paying for the sins of [her] youth."

As the World Cup approaches, new tools are becoming available to help the public. The event coincides with the introduction of bemotrizinol, the first new FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years. While such advancements represent a crucial step forward in public health, Stanaway maintains that the best defense remains a combination of hydration, protective clothing, and smart sun habits.