Why Utah Has the Highest Rate of Skin Cancer

In 2023, Utah had the highest rate of skin cancer in the country (almost double the national rate!). Summertime’s a good reminder to make sure you’re protecting your skin.

Why Such a High Rate?

• A major factor is our geographic location. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, there’s 7% less ozone to protect you.
• Our outdoor lifestyles. Snow acts like a mirror and reflects 80% of UV rays. So wear your sunscreen in the winter, too!
• Skin cancer is more prevalent in areas with a higher light-skinned population, but people with darker skin tones are susceptible to skin cancer, too.

Types of Cancer

Skin cancer is categorized as non-melanoma or melanoma. While melanoma is the rarer form, it’s more deadly.

Types of Prevention

Basically, try not to burn; even a tan is damaging to your skin cells. Besides keeping your skin covered, sunscreen is your top line of defense here. It should be at least SPF 30, and you should reapply every two hours. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, too, as you can get melanoma in your eyes.

Learn Your ABCDEs

Remember ABCDE when checking your moles for signs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry. When one half doesn’t match the other.
• Border. The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• Color. The color isn’t uniform, and it may include shades of brown, red, pink, black, white, and even blue.
• Diameter. If the spot is bigger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although they can sometimes be smaller.
• Evolving. It changes in size, shape, or color.