AUGUSTA, Ga (WFXG) - The Georgia Cancer Center along with members of Augusta University's Well-being Program wants to increase awareness about skin cancer risk.

One in five people are diagnosed with skin cancer. The Georgia Cancer Center is encouraging people to be sun-smart and skin safe. Doctor Loretta Davis, MD says that people are exposed to ultraviolet damage during the early part of life. 

"Most of the ultraviolet damage happens before you're 18. You get the freedom to play at recess, do sports... and that accumulating damage." Said, Doctor Davis, Georgia Cancer Center's Professor and Chair of the Department of Dermatology.

There are plenty of ways to prevent skin cancer such as wearing sunscreen, putting on shades or a hat, and maybe even using an umbrella.

Through a 10,000-dollar grant awarded to the University's Well-Being Committee, they were able to place sunscreen dispensers throughout campus. Augusta University is the first college or university in the system of Georgia to have sunscreen dispensers installed on campus. This hands-free device makes sunscreen application easier. The University System of Georgia's Board of Regents is investing in the health of AU employees and students. 

The sunscreen inside the dispensers on the Forest Hills, Health Sciences, and Summerville Campuses has an SPF of 30. 

"It reminds people that they can take action and it makes it easily accessible to protect their skin from the sun." Says, Christine O'Meara, MA, MPH, Georgia Cancer Center's Outreach Coordinator and Organizer for Sun Smart, Skin, Safe. 

O'Meara is a skin cancer survivor; she was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma. and she says it's important to pay attention to your body.

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