One in five will develop skin cancer

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, including more than 100,000 cases of melanoma, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, especially among young people. One American dies of melanoma almost every hour. In Kansas, as many as 12,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, including more than 550 cases of melanoma. Nearly 100 deaths in Kansas are due to the disease annually, according to KDHE.

"The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun," KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby said. "Up to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight and could be prevented if children, adolescents and adults were protected from ultraviolet radiation."

According to KDHE, people with the following risk factors are more likely to develop skin cancer:

* lighter, natural skin color

* family or personal history of skin cancer

* exposure to the sun through work and play

* history of sunburns early in life

* skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily or becomes painful in the sun

* blue or green eyes

* blond or red hair

* certain types of moles or a large number of moles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several easy options for sun protection, health officials said.

"While you enjoy the outdoors this summer, use sunscreen, seeks shade, and wear sunglasses, a hat and sun-protective clothing," State Health Officer and KDHE Director of Health Jason Eberhart-Phillips said. "When used consistently, sun-protective practices can reduce a person's risk of developing skin cancer."

This year, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared Friday, May 28 as Don't Fry Day. This is the start of Memorial Day weekend when many people traditionally begin spending more time outdoors. This campaign seeks to advance awareness of skin cancer prevention. More information and resources about the campaign are available online at www.skincancerprevention.org.

For Kansas cancer information and resources, visit www.cancerkansas.org.