Whether working on a farm or in a garden, everyone should be mindful of sun exposure, and take precautions. Be prepared against the rays.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, and it’s on the rise. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and more than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. Additionally, the number of new invasive melanoma cases—the deadliest form of skin cancer—diagnosed annually increased 27 percent in the past decade.

But taking a few minutes to apply sunscreen, wearing long sleeves and putting on a broad-brim hat can go a long way toward staying safe, said Russ Simpson, a cattle farmer and member of Nelson County Farm Bureau.

“With the proper precautions, we can prevent a lot of skin cancer—especially among farmers, construction workers and anybody out in the sun,” Simpson said.

For many farmers, skin cancer is a frightening reality.

Simpson was diagnosed with melanoma...