Roam wild Wyoming with skin safety in mind
Protect the skin that protects you with insights from Wyoming’s board-certified dermatologists.
Importance of skin cancer prevention in Wyoming
Wyoming residents are at higher risk for melanoma
Wyoming residents have a higher risk of dying from melanoma than the national average. About 17 people in Wyoming die from melanoma each year and it is the 6th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Wyoming. Diligent sun protection reduces the risk of skin cancer, and regular skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist help lead to earlier detection. Shield the skin you’re in and prevent melanoma in your daily life.
Higher elevation in Wyoming means closer to the sun
Living in Wyoming cultivates a unique way of life, but living in Wyoming’s high elevations means more exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. With every 1,000 feet of elevation comes a 6-10% increase in UV exposure. Your western, wild Wyoming way of life doesn’t have to change; however the way you approach skin safety does. Safeguard your skin against the sun by always using an SPF 30 or higher and knowing when is the right time to get a screening.
Rural communities may mean traveling to a dermatologist
We love and value our wide open spaces, but living in rural communities in Wyoming means access to less resources including board-certified dermatologists. Depending on your location, you may need to travel to receive the skin cancer prevention care you need. Taking the time to travel to visit a board-certified dermatologist is always worth it and provides essential protection against skin cancer.
Earlier screenings means better outcomes later
Living in Wyoming leaves us no stranger to the changes in weather and season, but if you’re seeing changes in your skin, the quicker you take action the better. Early screenings for skin cancer means less severe cases, scarring, or complications down the line. Along with always taking the necessary steps to protect your skin, learn when is the right time to receive a skin cancer screening from a board-certified dermatologist.
We are proud to partner with Castle Biosciences.
Castle Biosciences is committed to empowering healthcare providers and patients with the goal of improved skin cancer outcomes in Wyoming and beyond.
Advice from Wyoming Dermatologists
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Can Skin Cancer Be Deadly?
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What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
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What Causes Skin Cancer?
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Treatment for Skin Cancer
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What Rural Wyoming Patients Need to Know about Skin Cancer
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Jimmy Buffett Died of Skin Cancer. What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?
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The Importance of Skin Examinations and Who Needs Them
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What to Look for When Choosing a Sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you grew up when sunscreen was taboo or baby oil and iodine were your only defense against the sun, it’s time to learn more about skin safety and if you’re due for a skin cancer screening. As we age, skin cancer prevention becomes increasingly important. If you’re over 50, and if you notice new or changing moles, a lump or bump that does not heal or go away within a few weeks, dry, gritty patches of skin, symptoms coming from skin such as an area that bleeds or itches, or an unexplained rash, it’s time to seek a screening from a board-certified dermatologist.
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Everyone experiences skin problems at some point, especially as we age and our exposure to UV rays increase. Some skin conditions require a special look from a board-certified dermatologist. It’s time to make your appointment with one of Wyoming’s board-certified dermatologists if you notice new or changing moles, a lump or bump that does not heal or go away within a few weeks, dry, gritty patches of skin, symptoms coming from skin such as an area that bleeds or itches, or an unexplained rash.
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Skin cancer prevention starts with you. As Wyoming residents, we spend our days in the outdoors, greatly increasing our skin’s exposure to UV rays. It’s critical to our health to take steps to prevent skin cancer by staying out of the sun when it’s highest in the sky (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), covering up our skin when outside, using sunscreen with SPF30 or higher, avoiding indoor tanning machines, self-checking your skin regularly for changes, and getting skin cancer screenings when appropriate by a board-certified dermatologist. Ask your primary care physician if it’s time for a screening.
Early detection of skin cancer not only might save your life, but can also result in less invasive treatment. When caught early skin cancer can often be thwarted without surgery. Be mindful of your life and wellness choices. Find board-certified dermatologists with help from the Wyoming Academy of Dermatology.