Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, but it’s also one of the most preventable. For those of us living in the Iowa Great Lakes, where summer days are spent on the water and winter still brings UV exposure, protecting your skin year-round is essential.
Here are 10 ways Lakes Regional Healthcare encourages you to reduce your risk of melanoma without giving up the lifestyle you love.
- Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. Even on cloudy Iowa days, UV rays still penetrate your skin.
- Reapply More Often on the Water
Boating and swimming in Okoboji increase UV exposure due to reflection off the water.
- Reapply every two hours (or more often if swimming)
- Use water-resistant sunscreen
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you’re out enjoying the lakes:
- Take shade breaks
- Plan activities earlier or later in the day when possible
- Wear Protective Clothing
Clothing is one of the most effective forms of sun protection. Consider:
- Long-sleeve UPF shirts
- Wide-brimmed hats
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- Skip the Tanning Bed
Tanning beds significantly increase melanoma risk. There is no such thing as a “safe tan” from artificial UV light.
- Check Your Skin Monthly
Early detection starts at home. Look for:
- New moles
- Changes in size, shape, or color
- Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal
- Schedule Routine Skin Checks
An annual professional skin exam can catch melanoma early, even before you notice changes.
- Know Your Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have fair skin or light eyes
- Have a history of sunburns
- Have a family history of skin cancer
- Spend significant time outdoors
- Protect Kids Early
Sun damage in childhood significantly increases melanoma risk later in life.
- Use sunscreen on children over 6 months of age
- Encourage hats and protective clothing
- Model good sun safety habits
- Don’t Forget Year-Round Protection
UV exposure isn’t just a summer issue. In Iowa:
- Snow reflects sunlight in winter
- Outdoor activities like skiing or snow removal still expose skin
Melanoma is highly treatable when caught early, but advanced melanoma can be life-threatening. Prevention and early detection are your best defense.
