Washington in top 10 states for new cases of melanoma, rates highest in Puget Sound

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington ranks among the top 10 states for the highest rates of new cases of melanoma of the skin, according to Washington State Cancer Registry data.

Jefferson, Island, King, San Juan, Kitsap, Skagit, Thurston and Snohomish counties had higher rates than the overall Washington state rates (2011-2015).

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. However, 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand or snow, increasing exposure to UV radiation.

Even on days when temperatures are low and skies are overcast, it is important to wear sunscreen. Finding daily UV levels is as simple as a quick web search, or downloading an app that sends daily UV updates to your phone. A score of three or higher means sunscreen application is necessary.

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