It’s Time to Promote Skin Cancer Prevention

Infograph courtesy of the CDC
Infograph courtesy of the CDC

It’s summer. Are you promoting skin cancer prevention to your employees?

According to the CDC, the rates of melanoma cases are on the rise. According to the CDC, more than 9,000 Americans die of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, each year. An even higher number is the estimated 21,000 melanoma cases that could be prevented each year just by using proven community prevention programs.

Melanoma is linked to exposure to the sun’s UV rays, tanning beds, and sun lamps. Since we are in the heat of summer and there are lots of outdoor activities planned you need to promote prevention to your employees.

Here are some ways you can help your employees be safe in the sun.

  1. Many local dermatologists will go to your workplace and perform skin screenings for your employees. It never hurts to ask.
  2. As an employer, you can promote awareness by posting or emailing flyers educating your employees. The Melanoma Research Foundation has quite a few free educational materials including bookmarks, postcards, inserts and more. You can request the material from them, or you could also download the files, print on your own or post to your intranet.
  3. If you have outdoor employees, make sure they have access to sunscreen and proper attire (like wide brimmed hats, UV protection clothing, and sunglasses).
  4. During fun company sponsored events or functions like picnics or beach weekends, offer sunscreen to employees and make sure shaded spots are available.

Additional free resources are available from the United States Department of Health and the CDC .

Promote awareness and prevent cancer.

Contact our Wellness Coordinator, Trish Blocker at 727-522-7777 to learn more about how W3 helps your employees stay healthy and engaged!