Photo shared with permission from Buena Vista Regional Medical Center's 2023 Sun-Safety Community Project at area pools.

In an effort to promote sun-safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer! Along with sunscreen, awarded projects will educate the community about the risks of UV exposure and ways they can prevent skin cancer.

Applications are due by 11:59pm CDT on Friday, April 24, 2026

Learn more at https://canceriowa.org/sunscreen.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. Many types of skin cancer cannot spread (metastasize) to other organs, but some types of skin cancer are deadly. The deadliest form of skin cancer is called melanoma. Iowa has the 5th highest incidence rate of melanoma in the country, and our rates are growing faster than other states. (source)

Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and indoor tanning beds. By preventing sunburn and not using indoor tanning beds, we can greatly reduce our chances of developing skin cancer.