Hawaii has the highest rate of melanoma caused by UV radiation compared to other US states. And a recent study suggested that in some of Hawaii’s communities, up to 97% of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — can be attributed to UV exposure.
Resources
Get accurate facts and information that will help you practice sun safety, protect your skin, and prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Resources
Testimonial: Brad Dang
Brad Dang grew up in Hawaii like most kids—boogie boarding, surıng and playing soccer all day with little to no sun protection. “Like most kids, we put on sunscreen maybe once and then played outside for hours a day."
Testimonial: Rick Varley
Like many, Rick Varley spent most of his youth in the sun with little to no protection. After noticing that a sore on his shoulder was not healing, Rick consulted his doctor who referred him to dermatologist Dr. Todd Bessinger. Shortly after he was diagnosed with...
Testimonial: Mindy Clepper
Like many Hawaii residents, Mindy Clepper loves the ocean. However, she is extra cautious of sun exposure, not only because of her fair skin, but also because nearly ten years ago she received the life-changing news that a dark freckle on her shoulder was melanoma....
Protect Your Skin. Protect Your Health. Why Sun Safety Matters
Here in Hawaii, we experience beautiful weather year-round, so there’s lots of time spent outdoors. But all that time in the sun can damage our skin and lead to skin cancer, especially if we don’t take the proper precautions to protect ourselves.
Top 5 Reasons to Practice Sun Safety in Hawaii
Here in Hawaii, spending time outdoors isn’t just a lifestyle — it’s our way of life. With so many sunny days throughout the year and so much to do outdoors, practicing sun safety should be an important part of your daily routine.
Sun Safety Rumor & Reality
Many rumors and misperceptions exist when it comes to sun safety, especially in Hawaii, where we have so many sunny days in a year. Learn the facts about how to stay safe in the sun.
Be Bright. Be Sun Safe.
The sun’s damaging UV rays are a leading cause of preventable skin cancer. Enjoy the sun, safely. Make sure you and your ohana practice sun safety to protect your health whenever you’re outdoors.
News
EPA Should Conduct Ecological Risk Assessment of UV Filters Found in Sunscreen to Understand Their Impact on Aquatic Environments, Says New Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should conduct an ecological risk assessment of ultraviolet (UV) filters, the active ingredient used in sunscreens, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Public Briefing: Review of Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Sunscreens in Aquatic Environments and Implications for Sunscreen Usage and Human Health
The report, Review of Fate, Exposure, and Effects of Sunscreens in Aquatic Environments and Implications for Sunscreen Usage and Human Health, calls on the U.S. EPA to conduct an ecological risk assessment of UV filters to characterize possible risks to aquatic...
PASS Coalition Applauds National Academy of Sciences Study on Sunscreen Impacts and Its Support of Sunscreen as a Skin Cancer Prevention Tool
The Public Access to SunScreens (PASS) Coalition is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to all FDA-approved sunscreens as an important part of sun safe practices.
A Complete Guide to “Reef-Safe” Sunscreen: Experts help decipher what’s behind the claim.
Slathering on sunscreen whenever you’re spending time al fresco should be a no-brainer — even when it’s cloudy — to protect against skin damage and cancers. But deciding which sunscreen to wear can require some research.
There’s insufficient evidence your sunscreen harms coral reefs
In the face of persistent heatwaves, Australians are reaching for the sunscreen. But you might have heard some mixed messages about its harm to the environment – specifically to coral reefs.
Scientific consensus mounts in favor of sunscreen
Scientists say data to back sunscreen ban just isn’t there.
Dermatologists raise concerns over movement to ban sunscreen for environmental reasons
The Key West measure to ban the sale of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate won’t go into effect until 2021, but it’s already ringing alarm bells in the medical community.
Misinformation surrounds pandemic headlines
May was Melanoma Month and organizations throughout the country advised people to avoid the sun and seek protection by using effective sunscreens and other safety measures. The incidences of skin cancer have skyrocketed to almost five million new cases annually.
Mineral sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen
Yes, you can absorb chemicals through your skin, but it may not be as bad as you think.
Looking for the right sunscreen? Here’s what you need to know.
Which sunscreens are safe? Do sunscreens hurt coral? And what about sunscreens for children? Dermatologists say the big message for beachgoers is simple: A little education goes a long way.