July Cancer Prevention Toolkit
Skin Cancer
The July Cancer Prevention Toolkit is focused on Skin Cancer.

Nebraska is ranked as 8 th highest in the nation for melanoma of the skin. Only 20 to 30 percent of melanomas are found in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on apparently normal skin. Men age 49 and under have a higher chance of developing melanoma than any other cancer. For women age 49 and under, they are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer, except breast and thyroid cancers. (Statistics from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/index.htm and https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#nonmelanoma)

Learn more about skin cancer, including what you can do to detect and prevent basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In this toolkit, you will find web links, posters, handouts, videos, and more – all focused on ways to live healthier and to prevent skin cancer.

The toolkit is meant as a resource for leaders in wellness, businesses, and organizations. We hope you will be able to share at least one item from this toolkit. Our goal is that individuals and families within a community will get a consistent message each month on a specific topic.

We welcome your ideas on how to keep this toolkit useful and practical for you. Thank you for sharing this message of health with those around you.
What is skin cancer?
Battling Melanoma
What is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation?

Exposure to  ultraviolet (UV) radiation  is a major risk factor for most skin cancers. Sunlight is the main source of UV rays. Tanning lamps and beds are also sources of UV rays. People who get a lot of UV exposure from these sources are at greater risk for skin cancer.

Even though UV rays make up only a very small portion of the sun’s rays, they are the main cause of the sun’s damaging effects on the skin. UV rays damage the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancers start when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth.
Seal of Recommendation
The Skin Cancer Foundation grants its Seal of Recommendation to products that meet the Foundation's criteria for safe and effective UV sun protection.

Click below to see the list of brands currently recommended.
The Dangers of Tanning
A tan, whether you get it on the beach, in a bed, or through incidental exposure, is bad news, any way you acquire it. Tans are caused by harmful  ultraviolet (UV) radiation  from the sun or tanning lamps, and if you have one, you’ve sustained skin cell damage.
No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, lax skin, brown spots, and more), as well as  skin cancer . In fact, people who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

Here are some printable tools for skin cancer prevention:
Four Corners Health Department
2101 N Lincoln Avenue
York, NE 68467
Toll Free: (877) 337-3573
Local: (402) 362-2621