When the American Cancer Society declared Friday “Don’t Fry Day,” it wasn’t talking about cooking food in oil.

Instead, the organization is encouraging people to protect themselves and their children from harmful rays from the sun, said Terry Baldwin, chairperson of the Benicia Relay for Life that raises money for the nonprofit.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Baldwin noted that each year the ACS proclaims the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day.”

“Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States?” she asked.

Most skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, she explained, and those negative effects build up during a person’s lifetime.

Cloudy days are no protection, Baldwin said, because even then, “UV rays are present.”

In fact, she advised thinking about sun safety all year long.

“UV rays aren’t only dangerous during the summertime,” she said.

On the other hand, most forms of skin cancer can be prevented, Baldwin said.

“While we can’t completely avoid exposure to the sun, we can take precautionary measures to avoid excess UV ray exposure and lower our risk for developing skin cancer,” she said.

She recommended wearing such protective clothing as wide-brimmed hats, ultraviolet radiation-blocking sunglasses and broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which she said should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

She said people should avoid direct sunlight from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., because that’s when UV rays are most intense.

Shade is another way people can protect themselves, Baldwin said, and that includes using an umbrella or carrying a parasol while outdoors.

She said people should altogether avoid using tanning beds and sun lamps.

She said the ACS is dedicated to “saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

Those interested in supporting that effort may build or join teams and participate in Benicia’s Relay for Life, Baldwin said.

They may participate by calling the American Cancer Society, 800-ACS-2345, or visiting the website www.RelayForLife.org/ BeniciaCA.

The local Relay for Life, a 24-hour event, will take place at Benicia High School’s track Aug. 16 beginning at 9 a.m.