May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month [Video]

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and with Colorado boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, those who live, work and play here, need to be extra careful about protecting their skin.

Dr. Vinh Chung, a Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, with Vanguard Skin Specialists, said Coloradans are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer compared to those who live at lower elevations.

“By being one mile above sea level, we’re one mile closer to the sun so the UV that we get is actually that much more intense than if we were at sea level,” said Chung. “And we love being outside, that’s why we live in Colorado.”

He said Coloradans are exposed to more UV than the average American and those who work in certain occupations have an even greater risk of skin cancer.

“We take care of a lot of farmers, ranchers, construction workers, because they’re outside all the time,” said Chung. “We …