Skin Cancer Risk Factors in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and in Michigan. While West Michigan doesn’t have the same intense sun as southern states, residents of Grand Rapids are still at significant risk—especially with outdoor summer activities on the lakes, winter sports, and work or play outside without protection.

This guide explains the main skin cancer risk factors, with a focus on Grand Rapids and West Michigan, and how you can reduce your risk.

The Main Cause: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from:

  • The sun
  • Tanning beds and sunlamps

In Michigan, UV levels are highest from late spring through early fall, especially on clear days and around midday. Even on cooler days near Lake Michigan or during outdoor events in downtown Grand Rapids, UV rays can still damage your skin.

Although Michigan is in the northern U.S., reflection from water, sand, and snow (common around the Great Lakes and during our long winters) can significantly increase UV exposure.

How Common Is Skin Cancer?

  • More than 2 in 3 Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
  • Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. die from melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
  • In Michigan, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers have increased since 2000, though some recent data suggest rates may be stabilizing in younger age groups.

The encouraging news: skin cancer is often preventable with consistent sun protection and early detection.

UV Radiation and the Grand Rapids Climate

Local UV Exposure Factors

In Grand Rapids and West Michigan, UV exposure is influenced by:

  • Summer sun: Long daylight hours, outdoor festivals, lake trips, and sports increase time in the sun.
  • Winter reflection: Snow and ice in Kent County and nearby ski areas (e.g., Cannonsburg) reflect UV rays, increasing exposure even when it feels cold.
  • Outdoor work and recreation: Construction, landscaping, farming, boating, fishing, and biking along the Grand River or local trails all add to lifetime UV exposure.

When the UV index is 3 or higher, you should use multiple sun protection measures whenever you’re outdoors.

You can check the daily UV index for Grand Rapids through:

  • Local weather apps and TV stations
  • The National Weather Service
  • Global UV apps and many smartphone weather widgets

What Is Melanin and Why It Matters

Skin cells in the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) produce a pigment called melanin.

Melanin Gives Skin Its Natural Color

When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it produces more melanin, causing the skin to darken. This is what we call a tan.

A tan is not a sign of good health. It is a sign that your skin cells have been damaged. Tanning can lead to:

  • DNA damage in skin cells
  • Premature skin aging (wrinkles, age spots)
  • Increased risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma

Every time your skin is exposed to UV radiation, your lifetime dose of UV increases. This damage adds up over the years, even if you don’t burn.

Sunburn and Cumulative Skin Damage

All types of sunburn—mild or severe—can cause permanent skin damage.

  • Repeated sunburns, especially blistering burns in childhood or adolescence, significantly increase the risk of melanoma.
  • Even without visible sunburn, regular unprotected exposure contributes to skin cancer risk.

In Michigan, people often underestimate the sun’s strength on cooler or breezy days, at the beach, or while boating on Lake Michigan. UV rays can still be intense, even when temperatures are comfortable.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Skin Cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin color or age. However, some factors increase your risk.

Personal and Family History

You are at higher risk if:

  • You have had skin cancer before (melanoma or non-melanoma).
  • A close relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) has had skin cancer.
  • You have a history of frequent or severe sunburns.

If one or both of your parents have had skin cancer, your risk is higher, partly because you may share similar skin type and sun exposure habits.

Skin Type and Color

The following traits increase your risk when combined with UV exposure:

  • Fair or very light skin that burns easily
  • Red or blonde hair
  • Light-colored eyes (blue, green, or gray)
  • A tendency to freckle
  • Skin that is sensitive to the sun

People with fair skin are at higher risk of skin cancer than people with very dark skin. However:

  • People with very dark skin can still develop skin cancer.
  • In darker skin tones, skin cancers are often diagnosed later and at more dangerous stages, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.

Everyone, regardless of skin color, should protect their skin and watch for changes.

Moles, Freckles, and Skin Cancer Risk

Most People Have Moles and Freckles

Moles and freckles are common, but certain patterns increase your risk of melanoma:

  • Having many moles
  • Having many freckles
  • Having atypical (irregular or unusual-looking) moles

You should see a doctor or dermatologist in Grand Rapids (for example, through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health dermatology clinics) if you notice:

  • A new mole or spot that looks different from others
  • A mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color
  • A spot that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal
  • Any mole that becomes raised, irregular, or ulcerated

Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes.

Age and Skin Cancer

  • Melanoma is more common in older adults, but it can occur at any age.
  • Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in younger adults and a leading cause of cancer death in young people.

Every extra decade of high UV exposure increases your risk of melanoma. However, limiting UV exposure at any age can help decrease your risk.

Children, Teens, and Sun Protection in West Michigan

If you have fair skin or a family history of skin cancer, it is especially important to teach your children about sun safety early:

  • Encourage hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for recess, sports, and outdoor activities.
  • Be extra careful at summer camps, beach days, lake trips, and sports tournaments around Grand Rapids and along Lake Michigan.
  • Model good behavior—children are more likely to use sun protection if they see adults doing the same.

Building strong sun protection habits in childhood can significantly reduce skin cancer risk later in life.

Everyone Should Know Their Skin

No matter your skin type, you should:

  • Become familiar with the pattern of moles, freckles, and spots on your body.
  • Check all your skin regularly—front, back, scalp, between toes, and under nails, not just sun-exposed areas.
  • Ask a partner or use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas.

If you notice anything unusual, such as:

  • A new spot
  • A spot that changes in size, shape, or color
  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • A mole that bleeds, crusts, or feels different

Make an appointment with your primary care provider or a dermatologist in Grand Rapids right away.

Local options include:

  • Dermatology clinics affiliated with Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Community health centers and family medicine clinics
  • Guidance from the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources

How to Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk in Grand Rapids

When to Use Sun Protection

It is recommended that all people, regardless of skin type, use sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above.

In Grand Rapids, this often occurs:

  • Late morning to mid-afternoon in spring, summer, and early fall
  • During outdoor winter activities (skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing) when UV reflects off snow and ice

The 5 Sun Protection Measures

Use a combination of these strategies—never rely on sunscreen alone or use it to extend your time in the sun:

  1. Slip on sun-protective clothing

    • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric
    • Rash guards or swim shirts at the lake or pool

  2. Slop on sunscreen

    • Use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
    • Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors.
    • Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying—even if the label says “4-hour water-resistant.”

  3. Slap on a hat

    • Choose a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, head, neck, and ears.
    • Baseball caps leave ears and neck exposed—use additional protection.

  4. Slide on sunglasses

    • Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
    • Protecting your eyes helps reduce the risk of cataracts and other UV-related eye damage.

  5. Seek shade

    • Stay under trees, umbrellas, canopies, or shade structures, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    • Use shade at parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and beaches around Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Seasonal Considerations in Michigan

Summer

  • High UV index, longer days, and more outdoor activity
  • Extra caution needed at beaches, on boats, and at outdoor festivals and sporting events

Winter

  • UV reflection from snow increases exposure, especially at ski hills and open areas
  • Skin can burn even on cloudy, cold days

Spring and Fall

  • UV can still be strong, even when temperatures are mild
  • Many people underestimate their risk during these seasons

Local Resources for Skin Cancer Prevention in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can access:

  • Primary care providers and dermatologists through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health programs for education and screening information
  • Community health centers offering low-cost or sliding-scale care

Ask your healthcare provider about:

  • Regular skin checks, especially if you have risk factors
  • How often you should be examined
  • How to perform self-skin exams at home

Key Points to Remember

  • The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
  • Skin cancer is common but largely preventable with consistent sun protection.
  • Every extra decade of high UV exposure increases your risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
  • People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, light-colored eyes, and many moles or freckles are at higher risk, but anyone can get skin cancer.
  • In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, protect your skin in all seasons, not just summer.
  • Early detection saves lives—see a doctor promptly if you notice any changing or unusual spots on your skin.

If you’re in Grand Rapids and have concerns about your skin cancer risk, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a local dermatologist to discuss screening and prevention options tailored to you.