As Skin Cancer Deaths Rise Amid Climate Change, St. John’s Hospitals Oncologists Urge Education Around Sun Safety and UV Protection

News Release

Ventura, Calif. – In the past decade, the number of new invasive cases of melanoma diagnosed each year has increased by 31%. Meanwhile, melanoma-related deaths are expected to rise by nearly 7% in 2022 alone, with no signs of slowing down. One of the most significant contributing factors to these alarming trends is climate change, as experts warn that global warming and ozone depletion lead to the sun’s UV rays penetrating the Earth’s surface with increasing intensity, ultimately causing greater harm to our skin.

At Dignity Health – St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), oncologists recognize the devastating impact climate change has on skin cancer incidence and mortality, reflected by melanoma becoming the most common cancer in the U.S.

“In the U.S. alone, nearly 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each day, with more than 2 people dying each hour,” says Dr. Chirag Dalsania, Medical Director of Hematology/Oncology at St. John’s Hospitals. “While this statistic is alarming, there are numerous measures and precautions we can take to minimize the risk of developing skin cancer.”

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with 1 in 4 developing skin cancer by the age of 70. As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, Dr. Dalsania recommends educating ourselves on the safety measures we can take to minimize the risk, while still enjoying the outdoors.

“A few ways to reduce the harmful effects of UV rays on our bodies include limiting our time outdoors during peak sun hours, using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and making an annual appointment with a dermatologist to make your skin health is optimal,” says Dalsania.

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About Dignity Health St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo

Dignity Health-St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo in Camarillo comprise the largest non-profit acute care provider in Ventura County. Founded 110 years ago, St. John’s Hospitals are nationally recognized for quality care, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to support new programs and services, as well as to advance the community’s access to health care. Learn more at DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional or DignityHealth.org/StJohnsHospitalCamarillo.