Melanoma cases are on the rise in many parts of the U.S., including Colorado, according to recent data.
This comes as many Americans are spending more time outdoors during periods of intense summer heat and high UV exposure.
For some, like Becky Pfeifer, the risk of skin cancer is personal, and sun protection is a priority.
“My grandparents had skin cancer, so I’ve been aware of it, but I think it’s easy for people to put to the side if it’s not that serious, even though it definitely is,” Denver resident Becky Pfeifer said.
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“We’re so close to the sun that it’s really easy to burn, so I think people would be more on top of wearing it and more vigilant about it,” Pfeifer said.
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Health experts at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that melanoma cases, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, have increased over the past two decades, with a big jump in 2020.
“Skin cancers are formed from a prolonged period of abuse from the UV rays to the tissue and cells,” said Maggie Catalano, a family nurse practitioner in Wheat Ridge.
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While no official explanation for the increase was provided, dermatologist Maggie Catalano said awareness could play a large part in the rise in cases. She said she’s seeing more people come in for regular skin checks.
“People are being more preventative recently, especially with the uptick in like just skincare and prevention of UV damage to the skin,” Catalano said.
Catalano said while most skin cancers are diagnosed in adults between 65 and 75, younger people are starting to come in for more and more checks.
► Watch Sophia Villalba’s report in the video below:
Colorado sees increase in melanoma cases as UV exposure remains high
“I’m seeing even teenagers come in with their parents just to make sure, like, hey, like we look at these spots before they change,” she added.
In places like Colorado, the mile-high elevation can also increase skin cancer risk.
“We are that much closer to the sun, and those UV rays are that much stronger,” Catalan said.
Catalano said melanoma can be found anywhere on the body, not just in areas that get the most sun.
“Just because you don’t get a lot of sun exposure there, the cells can still mutate,” she told Denver7.
Catalano recommends wearing SPF 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours, wearing protective clothing, and scheduling routine checks.
“The skin is the largest organ in the body, and they should be taking care of it,” Catalano concluded.
This story was originally published by Sophia Villalba with the Scripps News Group station in Denver.
