SCOTTSBLUFF—Regional West has joined the annual “Your Skin NeedsYou” campaign, a statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2) to raise awareness of skin cancer screening during Ultraviolet (UV) Sun Safety Awareness Month in July.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (U.S.). Melanoma of the skin, the most malignant form of skin cancer, is the fifth most common cancer in Nebraska. Incidence and mortality rates of melanoma are higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but people who have lighter natural skin color, blue or green eyes, and blond or red hair can be at greater risk. Other risk factors include skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun; a family or personal history of skin cancer; and older age. According to NC2, having just five or more sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma.
