May is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

Most people are aware of the things that cause skin cancer such as indoor tanning, not using sunscreen, and not covering and protecting skin during peak sunlight hours.

But, according to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer Executive Summary, skin cancer rates have continued to increase in the United States. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

The American Cancer Society projects there will be 1,620 new cases due to melanoma in Maryland in 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ (CDC) recommends the following to lower the risks of developing skin cancer:

• Stay in the shade – especially during midday hours
• Wear a hat
• Wear clothing that covers your skin, including arms and legs
• Wear sunglasses that block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Use sunscreen appropriately
• Avoid indoor tanning.

According to the CDC, ultraviolet rays, whether from the sun or indoor tanning, can cause skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.  Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users; people who begin indoor tanning during adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

Researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause more than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year. Women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors.

Learn more from the CDC’s Burning Truth awareness campaign about tanning and skin cancer. Or, call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7770 for more information.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department