Source: CVDaily Feed
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A report recently released by the Utah Department of Health shows that Utah’s rate of new cases of the skin cancer Melanoma is the highest in the nation. On KVNU’s For the People program Thursday, Logan physician Dr. Ed Redd said it’s surprising because too much exposure to sun can cause Melanoma and we don’t live where there’s sunshine all year round.

Dr. Redd said other factors enter in, however, because skin cancer is genetic-based and many Utahns are light skinned. So how long is too long to be out in the sun?

“There is not a good way to tell when you’re out in the middle of the day,” said Redd, “except if you’ve been out for more than 30 or 40 minutes and it’s noon time you probably need to put some clothes on or get back in the house.

“I just don’t think you should stay out that long. It can be a cumulative affect. Certainly people can burn without really prolonged exposure, just as much as 45-60 minutes can sometimes start the burn to happen, especially for people with sensitive skin.”

He said tanning beds can contribute too but it’s best to protect yourself and not to be out too long between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.