• 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer (World Health Organization)
• Melanoma is the #1 most diagnosed cancer among 25-29 year olds in the United States (Melanoma Research Alliance)
• According to the Center for Disease Control, the incidence of melanoma has doubled during the past 3 decades in the United States (Melanoma Research Alliance)
• The incidence of people under age 30 developing melanoma is increasing faster than any other demographic group, soaring by 50% in women since 1980 (Melanoma Research Foundation)
• Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race or gender. Everyone is at risk (Melanoma Research Foundation)
• It takes only one blistering sunburn, especially at a young age, to more than double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life (Melanoma Research Foundation)
• Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 25-30, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women age 30-35 (Melanoma Research Foundation)
• A tan is your skin’s response to injury, because skin cells signal that they have been hurt by UV rays by producing more pigment (Center for Disease Control)
• Skin damage starts with your very first tan. Each time you tan, the damage builds up, creating more genetic mutations and greater risk (Skin Cancer Foundation)
• 75% increased risk of developing life-threatening melanoma from just one indoor tanning session before age 35 (Skin Cancer Foundation)
• You can burn on an overcast day. Up to 80% of light can penetrate clouds (Skin Cancer Foundation)
• People of all colors, including those with brown or black skin, get skin cancer. Even if you never sunburn, you can get skin cancer (American Association of Dermatology)
• In adults, 70% of melanoma cases are not associated with existing moles (British Skin Foundation)
• Just 10 minutes of strong sunshine is all it takes to burn pale skin (British Skin Foundation)
• Every year in Australia, the incidence of skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, 2-3 times the rates in Canada, the US, and the UK (Cancer Council)
• Sun exposure that doesn’t result in burning can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer (Cancer Council)

Remember to S.H.I.N.E. Safe…

• Sunscreen – The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen everyday with an SPF of 30 or higher. Consider a reef-safe option.
• Hat – Wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever exposed to the sun.
• Inspect – Make a plan with your doctor/board-certified dermatologist for regular skin checks. Plans might be different for different people depending on past medical history etc, so make a plan with your doctor that’s right for you.
• Notice Skin – Know your own skin and notice any skin changes. Reach out to a board-certified dermatologist with any skin changes. Notice skin changes on your children, partner, etc too. Encourage your loved ones to do self-skin exams and get regular skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist.
• Eyewear – Protect your eyes and wear sunglasses. Eyes, eyelids & surrounding skin can be damaged by the sun’s rays. Remember to have children and babies wear sunglasses. Read sunglasses labels closely to ensure they truly offer the best UV sun protection.

• American Academy of Dermatology
• Skin Cancer Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• Centers for Disease Control
• National Cancer Institute 
• Melanoma Research Foundation
• Melanoma Research Alliance
• Surgeon General’s Call to Action
• US Environmental Protection Agency
• World Health Organization
• British Skin Foundation
• Skcin
• Cancer Research UK
• Save Your Skin Foundation
• Cancer Council Australia

We are working on projects to partner with medical centers and schools to help with education, policies, and resources needed to keep people sun safe on a daily basis.

If you would like to help, please email us: info@shinesafe.org

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