Colorado's sunshine myth gets a reality check
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Nearly 7,900 Coloradans were diagnosed with melanoma between 2019 and 2023, newly released federal data shows.
Why it matters: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and Colorado's high elevation means stronger UV exposure than at sea level.
Zoom in: Colorado's age-adjusted melanoma rate was 23.9 cases per 100,000 people for 2019–2023, per CDC data.
- In total, 7,871 cases were reported.
Reality check: Colorado's reputation for "300 days of sunshine" and outdoorsy culture didn't translate to one of the nation's highest melanoma rates.
But that's just one piece of the puzzle.
- In Denver, it's closer to 200–250 mostly or fully sunny days per year, though brief periods of sunshine help fuel the popular myth, 9News reports.
Between the lines: Researchers say differences in screening, population demographics, indoor tanning and occupational sun exposure all help explain why some states have higher melanoma rates than others.
The big picture: Melanoma diagnoses continue to climb nationwide.
🧠 Be smart: UV rays can damage your skin year-round — even on cloudy days. The CDC recommends:
☀️ Seek shade when possible.
☀️ Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat.
☀️ Wear wraparound sunglasses.
☀️ Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.