Steven Springer, communications specialist at the MDCH, stated in an email that, according to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of melanoma in the US has been increasing for the last 30 years partly due to changes in behavior resulting in increased exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation and the use of indoor tanning booths by young adult white women.

In an MDCH press release, Dr. Matthew Davis, chief medical executive with the MDCH said in Michigan, he frequently sees patients with skin cancer and thinks it’s a shame because it is a largely preventable condition.

MDCH encourages Michigan residents to seek shade, especially in the middle of the day, and to protect as much skin as possible with clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Sunscreen application on uncovered skin is crucial, but some ultraviolet rays will pass through sunscreen, so users still should avoid prolonged sun exposure and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps.

Communication sophomore Olivia Beleck said she tans because she likes to lay out and get darker, adding indoor tanning provides relief from the Michigan winter.

Several risk factors for melanoma and other skin cancers are unprotected and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation; pale skin; family or personal history of skin cancers; multiple or unusual moles and severe sunburns in the past.

Along with risk factors, several warning signs of melanoma and other skin cancers include: any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, or a new growth; scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or a change in the way a bump or nodule looks; pigmentation spreading beyond its border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark; and a change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness or pain.

Human biology sophmore Ashley Freedman tans outside frequently, but neglects wearing sunscreen.

“I’m scared it might take away from my tan,” Freedman said. “(I’ll) pay for it later.”