You’ll be shocked to learn the states with the highest rate of skin cancer (HINT: Bring your skis)

For those people who think they don’t need to protect themselves year round from the sun because they don’t live in a warm-weather state, it’s time to think again. According to Center for Disease Control (CDC) statistics from 2013-2017 and information from the National Cancer Institute, the states with the highest rates of new melanoma cases are Utah, Vermont, Minnesota and New Hampshire. The lowest rates were found in Texas, Alaska and New Mexico. While sun protection is extremely important for everyone, those in the south and west who are used to hot temperatures and the sun beating down on them all day seem to do a better job of wearing hats and sunscreen than their counterparts in the north and midwest. It is speculated that in the northern states, especially when seasons change and residents head back outside to enjoy activities without sunscreen being top of mind, higher rates of sunburns, one of the biggest risk factors in developing melanoma, is the cause of the higher case numbers. In addition, the CDC Consumer Health Styles Survey found that the rate of new melanoma cases among men is more than 50% higher than those of women. The main factors causing this discrepancy are the reluctance of men to wear sunscreen and male work environments. Many outdoor jobs such as grounds maintenance, construction, and similar labor professions are occupied by more than 90% men. Helping to reduce the risk of skin cancer requires a combination of sun protective strategies such as sunscreen, sun protective clothing and wearing a hat. Check out our Sundercover™ liners to learn how this one simple fix can make your favorite hats tools against sun exposure.