October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—an annual campaign to raise awareness of the disease’s causes and symptoms. You may know that risk factors like smoking can increase a person’s odds of getting breast cancer. Many people don’t realize, however, that overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is also a factor. Taking precautions with window tinting helps to mitigate risk. Find out how it works below.

How Are Sun Exposure & Breast Cancer Linked?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when the melanin-producing cells, those that give your skin color, are damaged. Exposure to UV rays is a leading cause. If your body can't repair radiation damage, cells divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner. These may form a melanoma on the skin and continue to grow beyond that, spreading to other areas of the body.

One study found that breast cancer survivors were up to 16% more likely to experience a cutaneous melanoma than those who had never had breast cancer. Meanwhile female survivors of melanoma had an 11% increased risk of getting a breast cancer diagnosis in comparison with any other second cancer.

What Can Window Tinting Do to Protect You?

Window tinting will help you avoid dangerous UV radiation exposure and lessen your risk of skin cancer and any related risk of breast cancer. Also, stay out of the sun during peak hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., use sunscreen, and seek shade when outdoors. The sun’s rays can also penetrate glass, however, so you aren’t necessarily safe from exposure when indoors.

A UV-protective window tint blocks up to 99% of UV rays, much like sunglasses. This glass coating can be applied to the windows not only in your home but also in your car. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that people are susceptible to sun damage in cars without realizing it. For maximum protection, install home and auto window tinting.

Trust Bi-State Glass Coatings for your window tinting needs in Granite City, IL. They offer a lifetime warranty on residential and auto products, and a 15-year warranty for commercial installations. Locally owned and operated, they have been in business since 1987. In their years of service they have built up a reputation for reliability and top-quality products. View their website for a look at their current specials, or call (618) 451-7346 for a free quote.