The American Cancer Society estimates that 3.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022. It’s the most diagnosed cancer in the United States and also one of the most preventable. 


What You Need To Know

  • The World Health Organization created an app to help promote skin safety

  • The American Cancer Society estimates that 3.4 million people will get skin cancer this year

  • Locals are already using the app to monitor exposure

The World Health Organization just launched a new app that you can think of as ‘another tool in the toolkit’ for your skin safety.

We caught up with Tampa resident Manuel Criollo as he spent the morning with his four granddaughters at their local splash pad. 

They always use a lot of sunscreen.

“Before we go out and even when we are home and they play in the yard,” Criollo said.

He’s lived in Tampa for decades and takes skin protection seriously.

“It’s very important to me because of the damage the sun can do to the skin. Cancer nowadays, you’ve got to be aware of it,” he said.

Dr. Vernon Sondak, chair of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Department of Cutaneous Oncology, showed us how the new World Health Organization’s app called SunSmart Global UV works.

“We think that anything that brings attention to the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is helpful,” said Dr. Sondak.

The app is free and gives local information on UV radiation levels for just about anywhere at anytime. 

It gives five day forecasts and highlights the time of day when sun protection is most important.

“You look out the window, the sun is shining, you better consider yourself at risk for a high UV index kind of day. That’s what we have here in Florida, that’s why we like it here because it’s always beautiful weather, but the sun is not always our friend,” he said.

“Whatever helps to prevent skin cancer and skin damage helps,” said Criollo.

Moffitt will offer free skin cancer and head and neck cancer screenings on Saturday July 30th from 9am to 3pm at Pier 60 in Clearwater.