University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
Contact: Lynn Murakami-Akatsuka, 586-9284	Air Date: May 25, 1998

May is national melanoma and skin cancer detection month pt. 1   Living in Hawaii can be hazardous to your health, especially if you're getting too much sun. May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection Month. Melanoma is one of the fastest growing forms of cancer in the United States, with Hawaii at the top of the list. So what can you do to prevent skin cancer? The Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition, consisting of several entities including UH's Cancer Research of Hawaii, has some tips: The best way is to avoid the sun, especially between 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. When you are out in the sun, cover up. Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts, UV protective sunglasses and pants. Always use a sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Beware of cloudy days; you can still get burned. Finally, don't use sunlamps or tanning parlors. They can be just as harmful as the sun. More on what UH is doing in the way of skin cancer research on the next University Report, I'm Tracy Orillo Donovan.

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