The Iowa Department of Public Health, Washington County Public Health and the CDC is reminding Iowans that May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. There are a number of reasons behind this effort. The rate of Melanoma diagnoses in Iowa has more than tripled since 1975 and melanoma is now the second most common form of cancer for Iowans ages 15 to 29. About 82 people in Iowa die of melanoma each year.

Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health shares that using a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has a rating of at least 15 SPF can help you keep your skin healthy. She notes that avoiding tanning booths is also a good idea.