State of Cancer: Iowa melanoma cases have risen 169% since the 1990s
KCCI • • health
Key Points:
- Melanoma cases in Iowa have surged by 169% since 1992, making it one of the state's fastest-growing cancers and placing Iowa fourth nationally for melanoma cases from 2018 to 2022.
- UV exposure from the sun and indoor tanning are identified as primary causes of melanoma, prompting proposed legislation (House File 524) to require parental consent for minors using tanning beds, though the bill has stalled recently.
- Melanoma survivor Jordan Hauck, first diagnosed at age 27 with Stage 4 melanoma, has partnered with dermatologist Dr. Leslie Christensen and fellow survivor Megan Burt to organize the Safe in the Sun event, raising $42,000 for research and awareness.
- Hauck now advocates for sun safety, wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and has launched a line of UV-resistant apparel, while Dr. Christensen emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ABCs of skin cancer and seeking medical advice for suspicious spots.
- The Safe in the Sun event will be held Sunday at Ada Hayden Park in Ames, offering free skin screenings and encouraging community participation to promote melanoma awareness and prevention.
