How Sun Smart is Your City? New Survey Ranks the Nation's Most and Least Sun Smart Cities

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national survey, conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (the Academy) revealed that Hartford, CT, Salt Lake City, and Denver are the most sun-smart cities in America, while Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh get burned.  The Academy polled adults in 26 U.S. cities on their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward preventing and detecting skin cancer. Cities were then ranked based on the results.  The survey can be taken online at www.melanomamonday.org where the public can test their "suntelligence" and receive personalized tips to "Be Sun Smart."

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Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.  

Former Miss Maryland Brittany Lietz Cicala of Chesapeake Beach, Md., began tanning indoors at age 17. She stopped at age 20 when she was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.  Brittany used tanning beds at least four times a week, and sometimes every day.

During the month of May, the Academy hopes to raise awareness for melanoma and educate the public on detection and prevention methods for skin cancer.  To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen
• Wear protective clothing
• Seek shade
• Protect children from sun exposure
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
• Get vitamin D safely
• Avoid tanning beds
• Check your birthday suit on your birthday

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology