Sun Safety and Skin Health in the Gunnison Valley

Living at high elevation in a famously sunny place like Gunnison County, with an average of 270 days of sunshine each year, offers incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation but also increased health risks. Coloradans are exposed to significantly higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation than much of the country and without proper sun protection, the risk of developing skin cancer rises. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, Gunnison County has a melanoma incidence rate of 32.5 cases per 100,000 people. This well above Colorado’s average of 21.4 and the national average of 22.7. Mountain communities like ours are especially vulnerable due to high altitude and year-round sun exposure, making skin health a public concern. 

Why Altitude Increases Risk 

UV radiation increases by approximately 5 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level. With elevations in Gunnison County ranging from 5,880 feet to over 14,285 feet at Castle Peak, residents experience between 29.4% and 71.4% more UV exposure than those living at sea level. On average, that equates to roughly 50.4% more sun exposure. 

As CU Anschutz and the Colorado Health Institute report, this level of exposure significantly raises the risk of skin cancer. When over 90 percent of skin cancers are linked to UV damage, that’s a serious consideration for Gunnison residents. 

What You Need to Know About the Types of Skin Cancer 

There are three main types of skin cancer: 

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common form, often appearing as a pearly bump or flesh-colored growth. It often grows slowly and is highly treatable. 
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Usually manifests as a red, scaly patch or wart-like sore that may crust or bleed. It can be more aggressive than BCC. 
• Melanoma: The least common but most dangerous type. It can develop in or near existing moles and can spread quickly if not caught early. 

Early diagnosis is critical as most skin cancers are highly treatable in their early stages. 

Prevention Matters 

Simple sun-safety habits can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Gunnison Valley Health recommends: 

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. 
• Wear UV-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, layers and sunglasses. 
• Avoid peak sun exposure when UV rays are strongest. 
• Perform monthly self-exams using the ABCDE method to look for concerning spots: 
• Asymmetry 
• Border irregularity 
• Color variation 
• Diameter larger than a pencil eraser 
• Evolution (change in shape, size or color) 
• Schedule a skin exam, especially if you’re fair-skinned, sunburn easily, have a family history of skin cancer or notice unusual moles. 

Dermatology at Gunnison Valley Health 

Gunnison Valley Health is proud to provide expert dermatology care close to home. Dr. Nickolas Poulos, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. He provides expert care including: 

• Comprehensive skin exams 
• Biopsies and lesion removals 
• Ongoing skin cancer surveillance 
• Mohs micrographic surgery 
• Cosmetic procedures such as Botox 

Dr. Poulos is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at GVH’s main campus, and Tuesdays at Gunnison Valley Orthopedics in Crested Butte. Appointments can be scheduled via GVH MyChart or by calling (970) 641-3927. 

“Living in the Gunnison Valley means embracing the outdoors,” Dr. Poulos said. “We want our patients to spend less time worrying about skin cancer and more time enjoying this beautiful place we live in.” 

Let’s keep our sunny Gunnison Valley safe, healthy and well protected.