NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennesseans seem to be doing a good job protecting their skin in the hot sun.
Tennessee has one of the lowest rates of skin cancer in the country.
In a list complied by QuoteWizard that measured rates of new melanoma cases state by state, Tennessee ranked as one of the lowest nationally at #42.
In fact, other states with similar average temperatures to Tennessee (57.6 degrees) were in the bottom ten. The average temperature of the states with the highest number of skin cases cancers is 46.9 degrees.
Researchers found that in Tennessee and other southern states, residents are hyper-aware of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. Tennesseans are better at applying sunscreen and wearing suitable clothing than residents of states with milder temperatures.
Overall, men are more likely to develop skin cancer because of their work environment. More men than women work have outdoor professions, like construction and grounds maintenance.
