Summit County has the highest rates of skin cancer in Utah

Utahns typically have an extremely active lifestyle, with constant exposure to the outdoors by hiking, biking and other recreational sports. However, this lifestyle has potentially life-threatening consequences, especially in Summit County.

The county has the highest rates of melanoma in the state, according to officials from the Summit County Health Department. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body. Both types are malignant (or cancerous) and benign.

Alyssa Mitchell, a health educator at the Department of Health, said that melanoma rates are high throughout the state. She said that Utah and Vermont are generally tops the list for the country's highest rates.

Mitchell attributed the number of cases in the state to active lifestyles and time spent outdoors as well as at altitude.

"People are very active here and there are a lot of people who appreciate all these activities that are out there," she said. "We are also higher in altitude, and we are generally more exposed to UV (ultraviolet) radiation because there is less ozone and less air that can block the rays."

The number of cases reported each year gradually increased since the early 2000s, far exceeding rates in the rest of the country, according to the Utah Department of Health. Rates in Summit County are in some cases almost double those in other health districts

According to the Utah Department of Health, men aged 65 and most are at greatest risk of developing melanoma. Some of the factors that contribute to increased risk include a history of sunburn and lifetime sun exposure, even if no sunburn occurs. People who live at higher altitudes, warmer climates and places where sunlight can be reflected by water, snow and ice are also more sensitive. after several hours of exposure. She recommends people wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours – or earlier if one is swimming. in winter, "she said." Many people do not realize that not only do you get the sun's rays, but whether you're on the snow or near a lake or d & # 39; a river, the light is reflected on you and you get almost a double exposure. "

Mitchell also acknowledged that some people are reluctant to wear sunscreen because of the chemicals used in various products. Environmental Working Group Web is a place where people can go to find a safe sunscreen Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the environment and the environment.

"Many people worry about the brand they use and this site is great for helping people search for their sunscreen. "She said.

Melanoma may initially appear as freckles, moles or spots on the skin," said Mitchell. "If these marks begin to change shape or color, she suggests Seek medical attention immediately. "Anyone who spends time outdoors may be sensitive to sun damage that can lead to melanoma, said Mitchell.She even admits that she sometimes forgets to reapply her sunscreen.

"I went snowmobiling for the first time with my husband and my parents-in-law years ago, and I did not think about putting sunscreen on it." I had the shot of sun most painful, but, what is funny with my sunburn, is that I was in the skin cancer prevention program, so I should have known better. "