MAY IS MELANOMA AND SKIN CANCER DETECTION AND PREVENTION MONTH

Wicomico Health Reminds Residents There is No Such Thing as a Safe Tan

(Salisbury, MD) - Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection Month kicks off on Melanoma Monday® on May 5, 2014 and runs through Don’t Fry Day™ on Friday May 23, 2014. The Wicomico County Health Department joins Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and partners, such as the Maryland Skin Cancer Prevention Program of the Center for a Healthy Maryland, to educate Maryland residents about protecting their skin from both natural and artificial sources of UV radiation. Health Department staff will be wearing orange in observance of Melanoma Monday on May 5, 2014.

“Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from artificial tanning devices (tanning lamps and tanning booths) is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County. “Skin cancer affects all skin types.” The number of people with melanoma, particularly among young women, has been increasing for several years according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2014, approximately 1,400 Marylanders and 76,100 persons in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

“To reduce risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, avoid tanning devices, limit exposure to sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., wear sun-protective hats, clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection, and use sunscreens and lip balms with a SPF of 15 or higher when exposed to the sun—even on cloudy days,” says Mrs. Brewster. “There is no such thing as a safe tan.”

For more information, visit wicomicohealth.org, spotskincancer.org or healthymaryland.org. Make sure to follow WicomicoHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for health information and motivation.