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Circle The SpotWoman looking into mirror

The Montana Cancer Control Programs has launched the Circle the Spot Campaign to increase awareness on skin cancer, the dangers of exposure to UV rays, the risks associated with indoor tanning exposure.  

 

Melanoma Skin Cancer in Montana

Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are three types of skin cancer: squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer and is the only type of skin cancer the state health department collects data on.

Melanoma incidence has increased in Montana; 240 Montanans are diagnosed with melanoma each year. 65% to 90% of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

1 in 3 female 12th grade students in Montana report indoor tanning. 42% of younger women diagnosed with melanoma have melanoma in the trunk region of the body which suggests intermittent and intense UV light exposure like the exposure experienced when tanning.

 

Risk Factors for MelanomaRisk Factors for Melanoma graff

  • Exposure to sunlight through work and play
  • A history of burns, especially early in life
  • A history of indoor tanning
  • Lighter skin color
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun

 

Action

  Be Sun A.W.A.R.E

Avoid unprotectTwo women in a parked exposure to sunlight, seek shade, and never indoor tan.
Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses year-round.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sunburn protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Routinely examine your whole body for changes in your skin and report concerns to a healthcare provider.
Educate your family and community about the need to be Sun A.W.A.R.E.

 

 

Montana Cancer Coalition Teen Sun Safety Video winners announced

Four Powder River County District High School students won the grand prize in the statewide Montana Cancer Coalition’s Sun Safety Video Challenge: “You Glow Girl: Forget the Tanning Bed, Just be YOU for the Prom.”

The video can be viewed here: Powder River Sun Beds Rev YouTube 1

The team was comprised of students Sage Collins, James Miller, Shuhan He, Riley Veis, and teacher Connie Barnhart.

The video challenge served as a project of the Montana Cancer Coalition (MTCC). The challenge to high school students was to make a short video alerting their peers to the dangers of indoor tanning. High school principals across the state were sent the challenge information in September of 2015 and were encouraged to promote it as a fun and educational class or club project.

The winning video will be showcased on local news stations within the Yellowstone and Powder River County areas. The video currently airing now through Sunday, May 29, during the 2016 prom season.

For additional information, contact Nikki Campbell 406-444-7858.

 

Lisa Troyer
Section Supervisor
1400 E. Broadway
Helena, Montana 59260-2951
(406) 444-5442