Washington ranks among the top 10 states for the highest rates of new cases of melanoma of the skin. Jefferson, Island, King, San Juan, Kitsap, Skagit, Thurston and Snohomish counties had higher rates than the overall Washington state rates (2011-2015).

Washington State Cancer Registry data shows rates of newly diagnosed cancerous melanoma of the skin increased by about six percent each year from 1992 to 2000. Since then, these rates increased steadily by about two percent each year.

There may be many reasons for the surprisingly high skin cancer rates in the Puget Sound area. It may be due in part to a mistaken assumption that, since skies are often overcast and temperatures mild, the risk of sun damage is low. Eighty percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds and can reflect off surfaces like water, sand, or snow, increasing exposure to UV radiation.

Wearing sunscreen is important – even on days when temperatures are low and skies are overcast. Some days have a higher UV level, which means there’s a higher potential for damage to skin. Finding the daily UV levels is as simple as doing a quick web search, or downloading an app that sends a daily UV update to your phone. A score of three or higher means you need to slather on the sunscreen.

The Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov) is your source for a healthy dose of information. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. After hours and on weekends, call 360-236-4440.