Many Iowans have felt the effects of skin cancer. If detected and removed early, skin cancer is almost always curable. Our family was fortunate in that my wife’s cancer was caught early and had not spread, but there are many who are not that lucky. It is a frightening trend that over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Skin cancer now ranks as the most common of all cancers, including over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnoses each year in people of all skin colors and ethnicities. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are a few simple steps folks can take to protect themselves. They include staying in the shade when possible, covering up with a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide brimmed hat, using and reapplying as needed a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen, examining your skin head-to-toe each month, and visiting a physician yearly for a professional examination. As a member of the House Cancer Caucus, I firmly believe it is vital that all Iowans have access to life-saving preventative measures. I am proud to cosponsor H.Res. 282, which encourages parents, teachers, camp counselors, and childcare professionals to take measures to prevent sunburns among the minors they care for. I will also continue to fight for vital research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find a cure for this terrible disease. July is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness month, but it is something that we must be aware of year round. It is important to wear sun screen and continue self-exams to spot any differences throughout the year. This month, let’s save lives by raising awareness about early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Sincerely,
Dave Loebsack
