Colorado.gov: Colorado's Official Website

 

  

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Skin Cancer Prevention Efforts in Colorado

Skin Cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease.  It is also the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Coloradans are at especially high risk.  The incidence of melanoma in this state is nearly 30% higher than U.S. rates and continues to rise.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is involved in numerous skin cancer prevention programs and projects to help educate Coloradans about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of prevention.  These programs include:

Colorado Cancer Plan 2005-2010

Chapter 8 of the Colorado Cancer Plan 2005-2010 lays out eight skin cancer prevention objectives for the Skin Cancer Task Force and the State of Colorado.  The objectives include: increasing skin cancer education and prevention, increasing sun safety policies at workplaces and schools, working to insure that statewide legislation protects children and adolescents from the harmful effects of artificial tanning and increasing the early detection of skin cancers by physicians. (The Melanoma Chapter starts on page 47 of the Cancer Plan.)

Skin Cancer Task Force

The Skin Cancer Task Force coordinates statewide efforts to increase skin cancer prevention practices and policies to reduce the morbidity and mortality of skin cancer in Colorado.  The Task Force is composed of representatives from the CDPHE, the Colorado Department of Education, a local health communication firm, a sunscreen manufacturer, the Colorado Dermatological Society, and the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. The Task Force works toward the goals of the Colorado Cancer Plan.

Sun Safe Colorado

Sun Safe Colorado (SSC) is a program that was launched by the Comprehensive Cancer Program at the CDPHE, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is now supported by the Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Pulmonary Disease Grants Program, at the CDPHE.  The program provides schools and workplaces with the information and tools they need to educate about skin cancer prevention and create sun safe environments.  SSC has provided trainings to schools and has provided mini-grants to schools and school districts to aid them in this process.  

Sun Smart Tips, Colorado State Parks Brochure

CDPHE, in collaboration with Colorado State Parks has developed an informative brochure for State Park visitors. The brochure is handed out during the summer at park visitor centers with a personal sample of sunscreen.  This brochure has been handed out to over 55,400 visitors since 2003. 

Skin Cancer Prevention 101:

About 90% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Any kind of unprotected exposure to UV radiation (from the sun or from tanning beds) increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

There are two main types of skin cancer─ melanoma and non-melanoma.  Most skin cancers are non-melanoma.  These types of skin cancer are usually not life-threatening, but can spread and disfigure, and must be removed.  Melanoma is much less common than non-melanoma skin cancer, but its incidence appears to be increasing and can be fatal. 

Prevent Overexposure

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it is a good idea to use at least one of the following sun protective measures any time the UV Index is 3 or above.  Find the UV Index for your zip code.

  • Schedule outdoor activities before 10 am or after 4 pm when the sun’s rays are less harmful.  
  • Cover up with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat.  In the summer, select clothing that is lightweight but does not let a lot of light through when held up to a light source.  Tightly woven hats with a 3-inch brim all the way around can help reduce sun exposure to the head, face, and neck by as much as two-thirds. 
  • Wear sunglasses.  Overexposure of the eyes to UV radiation can lead to cataracts, degeneration of the retina and even melanoma of the eye.  Sunglasses do not need to be expensive to be effective.  Pick sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.  Make sure to use an ample amount of sunscreen so it can work effectively.  Sunscreen should be used to protect against normal sun exposure, not to prolong your time in the sun.  Ideally, sunscreen should be used along with sun protective clothing.  It is still possible to get sunburned while wearing sunscreen so limit your time in the sun even while wearing sunscreen.
  • Find shade. If you are working or just spending time outdoors, you can bring a portable shade structure with you.  If you are eating outside, elect to sit under a tree or umbrella. 

You can still get burned on a cold or cloudy day.  UV rays from the sun still reach your skin even if heat does not.  Clouds block only 20 to 40% of UV rays.

In Colorado, people need to take special precautions. UV radiation increases 10-12% every 3000 feet.  If you are spending time at higher elevation, particularly in the mountains, cover-up clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen should be worn year round.  Also, snow is a reflective surface so if you’re spending time outside when there is snow on the ground, make sure to protect your skin. 

Do a Skin Self-Exam

When skin cancer is detected early it can almost always be cured.  The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, color, or shape.  Examine your skin and see a doctor if you find anything unusual.

For more information, visit:

 

CCP Home