Stay sun smart this summer

7/1/2026

A person applies sunscreen to a child's face by a swimming pool.

Arizona's abundant sunshine is one of our state's greatest assets, but it also presents significant risks for skin health, which is why UV Safety Awareness Month, observed in July, serves as an important reminder to practice sun safety. Sunburns have long-term health risks, including premature skin aging and skin cancer, including melanoma. These tips can help protect you and your family this summer: 

  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before swimming or exercise. Reapply every two hours.
  •  Wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to cover your skin. Choose light-colored and loose-fitting clothes for comfort.
  • Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when the sun's rays are strongest.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3,700 new cases of melanoma—the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer—will be diagnosed in Arizona this year, an incidence rate about 40% higher than the rest of the United States. With 90% of melanoma cases directly linked to sun exposure, early detection and access to expert care are critical for Arizona residents.

Comprehensive melanoma treatment and groundbreaking research at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center are provided under the auspices of the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence, opened in 2017 thanks to generous philanthropic investment from the T.W. Lewis Foundation and community supporters. This specialized center is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and research of melanoma, with a clear mission: to deliver exceptional patient care while becoming the premier melanoma center serving the Southwest region.

Over the past nine years, the Center has treated more than 3,800 new patients and made advancements in melanoma treatment through state-of-the-art technology, clinical trials of new treatments including immunotherapy, and skin cancer prevention initiatives.

During Melanoma Awareness Month in May, Banner Health and clinicians from the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign designed to keep Arizonans’ skin healthy. The initiative featured educational articles addressing crucial topics including the dangers of unprotected sun exposure, how to identify warning signs of skin cancer—both melanoma and the more common types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—the differences between normal and abnormal moles, and evidence-based sunscreen strategies to protect your skin.

A Personal Mission Rooted in Experience

A headshot of a smiling man with white hair, wearing a dark blue suit jacket over a light blue collared shirt.

For Tom Lewis, his commitment to creating a world-class melanoma center in Arizona is deeply personal—he lost his father to melanoma and is himself a melanoma survivor. His firsthand experience with the disease fuels the foundation's dedication to this life-saving work.

"As a melanoma survivor, the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence is very meaningful to me," shares Lewis. "I know firsthand that melanoma is treatable when detected early, which is why awareness and regular screenings are so important. Through T.W. Lewis Foundation's partnership with Banner MD Anderson, we are committed to supporting early detection and life-saving treatment for patients throughout Arizona."

This powerful combination of personal experience, philanthropic vision, and clinical excellence continues to drive the center's mission forward, ensuring that Arizona residents have access to world-class melanoma care close to home.