Skin Cancer Awareness – Allamakee Public Health Shares How to Protect the Skin When Outside

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for skin cancer and provide information about how to be protected from the sun. Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, is one of the top five cancers on the rise in Iowa. Melanoma is highly treatable if detected early.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, mostly from the sun, but UV rays can also be from artificial sources like tanning beds, where they can damage skin and increase risk of skin cancer. Protecting the skin from UV rays is a way to lower the risk of skin cancer. There are a lot of ways to practice sun safety throughout the year:

- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30+ SPF on all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen throughout the time in the sun.

- Stay in the shade if possible or when available.

- Wear clothing that covers the skin and use a wide-brimmed hat to cover the head, neck and face.

Sunburns can greatly increase your risk of skin cancer. But even for people who don’t usually get sunburned, UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. No matter how sensitive your skin is to the sun, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from UV rays. Anyone can get skin cancer.

Skin self-exams are a way to detect melanoma early and notice any changes of moles on the skin. During a self-exam, use the “ABCDEs of Melanoma” on any concerning moles or skin changes.

A - Asymmetry: Do all sides of the mole or spot match?

B – Border: Do the borders of the mole or spot should have smooth, even borders, or are they irregular?

C – Color: Does the mole or spot have multiple colors?

D – Diameter: Is the size of the mole or spot larger than a pencil eraser

E – Evolving: Has the mole or spot changed in shape, size or color over a period?

If you see anything that concerns you, be sure to have it checked by a doctor.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health was awarded a sunscreen grant by the Iowa Cancer Consortium, in partnership with the University of Iowa Health Care Melanoma Program and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, thanks to their 2026 Sun-Safety Community Project. They will be giving out samples of sport sunscreen with a 50 SPF at the numerous events the hospital attends throughout the summer months.

Sheryl Darling Mooney, Public Health Supervisor, advises, “Be proactive in preventing skin cancer. Apply sunscreen every day and reapply frequently when you are outside during the warmer months. Sunburns can occur on a cloudy day so make it a habit to apply sunscreen.”

For more information, please contact Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care-Allamakee Public Health at 563-568-5660.