HOLLAND, Mich., July 10, 2025 — As July marks UV Safety Awareness Month, Holland Hospital is emphasizing the importance of sun protection for people of all ages across West Michigan. Mary Mier, DO, primary care provider at Holland Hospital Primary Care – Hudsonville, outlines simple steps to empower West Michigan residents to reduce their chances of skin cancer.
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, highlighting the urgency of sun safety. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, approximately 104,960 new invasive melanomas will be diagnosed in the US, with a total of 212,200 melanoma cases. Tragically, about 8,430 people are expected to die from melanoma this year.
Having five or more sunburns, particularly blistering ones during adolescence, significantly increases the risk of melanoma later in life. However, when detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized melanoma is over 99%.
“Every sunburn is a clear signal of skin damage, and this damage accumulates silently over our lives," said Dr. Mier. "Establishing strong sun safety habits is a fundamental step in protecting our skin's health. It's about more than just avoiding a painful burn today; it's a proactive measure to reduce serious long-term consequences like skin cancer."
Dr. Mier emphasizes that sun protection is very important for people of all skin tones and outlines key strategies for diligent sun protection, offering various benefits including reduced skin cancer risk, prevention of premature aging, and immediate protection against sunburn:
- Apply and Reapply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that offers broad-spectrum protection. Apply generously to all exposed skin 15-20 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade, Especially During Peak Hours: Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's intensity is high.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Choose wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses (99-100% UVA/UVB protection), and clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added defense.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds expose individuals to intense UV radiation, drastically increasing skin cancer risk without providing a safe "base tan."
- For infants under 6 months old, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends minimizing sunscreen use and keeping babies in the shade or dressing in sun-protective clothing.
Navigating sunscreen options for children and babies can be challenging for parents. “For young patients, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended as they create a physical barrier and are generally gentler on sensitive skin,” Dr. Mier says. “It’s important for parents to consult with their child’s health care provider to choose the most appropriate product for their child's age and skin type.”
Dr. Mier urges families across West Michigan to embrace sun safety as a year-round priority. By adopting these simple yet effective precautions, everyone can significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors safely and responsibly.
Holland Hospital Primary Care – Hudsonville is dedicated to providing comprehensive health care services for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mier, please call (616) 394-3200 or visit hollandhospital.org/hudsonville.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
July 10, 2025