Central Oregon sun-lovers face melanoma risks

Oregon consistently has one of the highest rates of melanoma incidences and death in the nation.

We recently became the state with the fourth highest skin cancer rate in the country.

ShanRae Hawkins, a skin cancer survivor and advocate for melanoma awareness, says area residents are more susceptible to sun exposure.

“Central Oregonians are incredibly active, and we like to be outside,” she said. “We’re predisposed to skin cancer because of the elevation, and we like to be outside, so we really encourage people to get skin cancer screenings.”

Hawkins recommends anyone make an appointment with their dermatologist to get screened.

“I was diagnosed with melanoma three years ago, at the age of 35,” she said. “The reason why I’m here today was because I was screened. I went to my dermatologist to look at something I thought looked suspicious, and she removed it.”

Dr. Oliver Wisco, a dermatologist at Bend Memorial Clinic, says normally at a screening, they look for anything on the skin that raisers red flags.

“Really what we’re looking for is that spot that doesn’t heal, a sore that popped up, bleeds easily, can be tender,” Wisco said.

Wisco also stressed that no tan is a good tan.

“A lot of people get the mis-perception that if they’re out in the sun and they’re covering up, or they get a little bit of a tan, they’re fine. Actually, tanning is sign you’ve damaged your skin,” Wisco said.

As for what to put on when out in the sun, Wisco said, “SPF 50 or higher is the sunscreen rating we typically recommend. Really, you only need an SPF of 30, but the problem is, no one puts in on correctly.”