Hats: design and protection from ultraviolet radiation

An estimated 400,000 non-melanoma skin cancers occur each year. A majority of them will develop on sun-exposed areas of the face, head, and neck. By virtue of having assignments that involve outdoor duty, often in areas of high ultraviolet radiation exposure, military personnel are at increased risk of developing these cancers. Hats provide a means of sun protection; however, some styles are more protective than others. Two styles of hats currently used by the military are compared.