Weekly News and Columns

Week of June 8, 2026

4-H Enrollment Deadline Approaching 

June 15^th is the last day to drop or add 4-H projects for the year 2026. If you have not enrolled or re-enrolled in 4-H, you can do that by visiting v2.4honline.com. You can update your enrollment until June 15^th. After that deadline, no changes can be made if you want to bring projects to the Cuming County Fair in 2026. 

June 15^th is also the deadline for ALL 4-H livestock projects! Contact the Extension Office with any questions. 

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SOURCE: Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate 

RELEASE DATE:  May 4, 2026

Extension Board to Meet

The Cuming County Extension Board will meet for their June meeting on Monday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cuming County Courthouse Meeting Room. The agenda for the meeting is available for review at Nebraska Extension in Cuming County

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SOURCE: Alfredo DiCostanzo, Extension Educator

RELEASE DATE:  June 8, 2026

Cuming County 4-H Members Participate in Premier Animal Science Event at University of Nebraska Lincoln

Twenty-six Cuming County 4-H members participated in the Premier Animal Science Event on Friday, May 29^th at the Animal Science Department on East Campus. Cuming County competed in Livestock Judging.

Livestock Judging

In the Junior Division, Cuming County Team 1 (Emmet Ritter, Jase Ritter, Jasper Ritter, Hudsyn Schroeder) placed 1^st overall. They were 3^rd in Cattle, 4^th in Sheep/Goat and 1^st in swine.

Cuming County Team 2 (William Robinson, Coy Johnson, Mitchell Ridder and Rylea Ritter) placed 2^nd overall and was 5^th in cattle, 5^th in sheep/goat and 2^nd in swine. They were also first in team reasons.

Individually, Hudsyn Schroeder placed 5^th in cattle & 2^nd in high individual overall, 4^th in sheep/goat & 6^th in swine. William Robinson was 3^rd high individual overall and 3^rd in swine, Jasper Ritter was 8^th in cattle, 1^st in swine. Jase Ritter was 4^th in swine. Rylea Ritter was 9^th in swine. They were also 2^nd in team reasons.

In reasons, Mitchell Ridder placed 3^rd, William Robinson 5^th, Emmet Ritter 6^th, Hudsyn Schroeder 8^th and Jasper Ritter 9^th. 

In the Intermediate division, Cuming County placed 6^th overall. They placed 5^th in cattle, 6^th in sheep/goat, 9^th in reasons, and 8^th in swine.  

Individually, Gavin Johnson was 13^th in cattle and 15^th in swine. Will Strehle was 15^th in cattle and 12^th in sheep/goat. In reasons, Chesney Prinz was 15^th.

In the Senior Division, Cuming County Team 1 (Aiddan Buhrman, Colton Knievel, Hayden Schroeder, Layton Schroeder) placed 4^th overall. They were 10^th in cattle, 7^th in sheep/goat and 2^nd in swine. In reasons, they placed 3^rd. 

Cuming County Team 2 placed 12th overall. (Jentrye Frederickson, Ava Karnopp, Eli Ritter, Mackenzie Steffen). They were 8^th in cattle, 17^th in sheep/goat and 6^th in swine. In reasons, they placed 9^th. 

Individually, Colton Knievel was 16^th in cattle, Ava Karnopp was 17^th in cattle, and Mackenzie Steffen was 18^th in cattle. In sheep/goat, Layton Schroeder was 9^th. In swine, Hayden Schroeder was 4^th and Layton Schroeder was 14^th. Overall, Layton Schroeder was 10^th and Hayden Schroeder was 11^th. In reasons, Hayden Schroeder was 4^th.

Photo: Junior Livestock Team, Left to right

L-R: Hudsyn Schroeder, William Robinson, Coy Johnson, Emmet Ritter, Daltyn Goeden, Mitchell Ridder, Jasper Ritter, Rylea Ritter, Jase Ritter

Photo: Intermediate Livestock Team, Left to right

L-R: Chesney Prinz, Kaizley Hunke, Dawson Allen, Burke Ridder, Will Strehle, Gavin Johnson

Photo: Senior Livestock Team, Left to right

L-R: Colton Knievel, Eli Ritter, Hayden Schroeder, Layton Schroeder, Ava Karnopp,

Mackenzie Steffen, Jentrye Frederickson, Aiddan Buhrman

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SOURCE: Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate

RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2026

Native Landscaping Workshop Planned

Interested in native plants for your landscape, but not sure how to go about getting started? Join UNL Extension Educator Ian Peterson to learn the benefits of using native flowers and grasses in your yard as well as management practices to help gardeners of any skill level and taste preference learn how they can bring a piece of the prairie home. Program will be held at the Dodge County Extension office in Fremont on Thursday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m., cost is $40 and includes a 10-plant starter pack to take with you! Register now at https://go.unl.edu/nativefremont. Limit of 20 participants, so register soon.

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SOURCE: Ian Peterson, Extension Educator 

Horticulture, Landscape & Environmental Systems

RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2026

Cuming County Livestock Judging Contest

WHEN: Monday, June 22 

WHERE: WISNER RIVER PARK 

CHECK IN : 4:30 pm ; Start time 5:00 pm 

Awards will be given to the top three in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions. 

Contact Hunter Schroeder for questions 402-380-6250

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SOURCE:  Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate

RELEASE DATE:  June 9, 2026

Cuming County 4-H Youth are Invited to the Wisner Lions Club Rodeo

The Cuming County 4-H Council would like to invite all active Cuming County 4-H members to the Wisner Lions Club Rodeo, Wisner River Park, on Friday, June 26. Youth wearing an official Cuming County 4-H t-shirt will be admitted at no charge. Sponsored by the Cuming County 4-H Council. 

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SOURCE; Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate 

RELEASE DATE:  June 15, 2026

Cuming County 4-H Culinary Challenge & Cook-Off Contest

Entries for the Culinary Challenge and Cook-Off Contest are due Monday, July 20^th by 12:00 noon. All recipes will be uploaded in the google form. Registration is: https://go.unl.edu/culinaryandcookoff

The contests will be held on Thursday, June 23^rd beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Wisner-Pilger High School. We will begin with the Culinary Challenge & Cook-Off Contest will follow. Ribbons will be awarded at the conclusion of the events. For more information on rules and scoresheets, please visit cuming.unl.edu. 

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SOURCE; Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate 

RELEASE DATE:  June 9, 2026

4-H Clover Kid Camp

This year’s 4-H Clover Kid Camp will be held on Monday, July 6^th. Check-in will be 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. and the camp will begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude at noon. Registration is due Thursday, July 16^th and due online by 4:30 at: https://go.unl.edu/cloverkidcamp 

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SOURCE; Melissa Hagemeister, Extension Associate 

RELEASE DATE:  June 9, 2026

Fremont 4-H Expo

• If you are interested in the Fremont 4-H Expo Ambassador program, please get your applications submitted by Friday, June 19^th. The deadline for submission is JUNE 19 
  • Application Link below: https://go.unl.edu/ambassador2026
• The Fremont 4-H Expo Shooting Sports contest will be held on July 10 at Christensen Field in Fremont. This year’s contest will feature BB Gun and Air Rifle competitions each divided into three age categories. The registration DEADLINE is July 1
  • https://go.unl.edu/2026exposhootingsports
• There have been a few schedule changes for the 2026 Fremont 4-H Expo so make sure you check out the 2026 Schedule! 
  •   https://go.unl.edu/4-hexpoguide

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SOURCE: LISA Poppe, Extension Educator

RELEASE DATE:  June 8, 2026

Alfalfa Weevil Feeding on Regrowth 

Since the first cutting of alfalfa has been completed in much of the state, Nebraska producers may be tempted to believe our troubles with alfalfa weevil are over. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. Alfalfa weevil feeding on regrowth has been reported in some fields, so scouting is highly recommended, particularly if you notice that regrowth doesn’t begin within 4-5 days after cutting.

Alfalfa plants usually suffer the most injury and economic damage before the first cutting, however, feeding on regrowth can have impacts as well. While larvae cause the most damage, adults can also cause damage by feeding along leaf margins and leaving irregular notches. Adult beetles are roughly 5mm in length with a blunt snout and a brown body covered in golden hairs. Larvae are 1.5mm to 8.5mm long with a black head, wrinkled green body, and white stripe along the back and will curl into a C-shape when disturbed.

Scouting for alfalfa weevil is simple and can help mitigate economic losses. Randomly select 5 sites across the field and collect 6 stems at each site, cutting the stems at ground level. Beat the stems into a deep sided white bucket and count the number of larvae to determine the average number per stem. Economic thresholds for alfalfa weevil can vary greatly from an average of 1-7 larvae per stem, depending on a variety of factors.

While there are several insecticides labeled for alfalfa weevil management, some Nebraska weevil populations may be losing susceptibility to the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin. Therefore, if you believe you have an infestation above threshold, contact your county Extension Office for further guidance.

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SOURCE: Samantha Daniel, Assistant Extension Educator Water & Cropping Systems

RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2026

What Does It Cost to Rent Pasture in 2026 

What does it cost to rent pasture this year? 2026 results are out for Nebraska cash rental rates. According to the latest survey, average monthly rates for grazing pasture have increased between 2% and 8% compared to the previous grazing season.

The north reporting district, primarily the Sandhills, has the highest average cow-calf pair monthly rate at $82.10. The northeast and central districts are not far behind at $77.35 and $74.60 per month, respectively. The northwest district (the Panhandle) had the lowest rates at just over $56.45 per month. Elsewhere in Nebraska, rates generally fall in the $60 to $69 per month range.

Pasture rent can vary for many reasons. Landlord involvement in fencing, water, and management responsibilities has a significant impact, as does grassland quality, pasture location, and cattle size. Tradition, individual relationships, and local demand may also influence rates.

Whether you are looking to rent pasture or have pasture available, a written lease agreement is essential. These agreements can include a number of stipulations, but at minimum should specify the number of cattle, the length of the grazing period (or stocking rate), and how a drought or other unforeseen event will be handled.

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SOURCE: Shannon Sand, Extension Educator Ag Economics

RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2026

Controlling Yucca on Rangeland 

Yucca plants, which are also called soapweed, can be quite common on rangeland in western and central Nebraska. They are especially noticeable here in June when flowering. In some areas, they can be quite thick and significantly reduce grass production. There are ways, though, to reclaim those grazing lands.

Once established, yucca plants can increase on drier rangeland sites. They produce a deep taproot that competes aggressively for the limited water in these soils. With sharp leaves protecting the plant, cattle rarely eat it during summer. Grass production decreases while yucca thrives.

Herbicides like Remedy Ultra®; PastureGard HL®; Pathfinder II®, Tordon®, Velpar, or Cimarron Plus® can control yucca, but only when each individual plant is sprayed directly. Hexazinone products like Velpar L®; Pronone Power Pellet, or Velossa® be applied to the soil uphill side of individual yucca plants with exact delivery hand-gun applicator since pasture grass streaking injury downslope can occur with chemical movement. General broadcast spraying to control yucca on rangeland is cost prohibitive, although small patches can and should be controlled before they expand. Herbicides are most effective when applied in spring or summer. When using herbicides, be sure to follow label directions for the best control.

Some people have had some success in reducing yucca through winter grazing. During winter, yucca often is the only green plant around. Sometimes cows actually will get down on their knees, lay their head sideways on the ground, and chew through the base of the plant to get to the moist, tender parts. It has been observed though that it can take some time for animals to learn to graze yucca and there may be some animals in the herd that will not graze it while others can be quite proficient. After several consecutive winters of grazing, yucca stands can be reduced so grass again thrives during summer.

Whether it is with herbicides or trying some winter grazing, this might be a good year to reclaim some of your pasture back from yucca. 

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SOURCE: Jerry Volesky, Extension Specialist Range & Forage

RELEASE DATE: June 8, 2026

Common Sense Farming and Ranching

Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator

University of Nebraska

Week of June 1, 2026

Preparing the yard for heat events

As we close May, we were reminded of how warm summer gets. Some folks explain away their tolerance (or intolerance) for heat based on humidity. Yet, when it is all said and done, no matter how you look at it, hot is hot! This is important as we consider that cattle spend 24 hours in the elements, but humans that feed and care for them are also out there at least 8 of the hottest hours of the day.

As we move closer to steadily high temperatures of the summer, it may be a good time to list yard preparations in anticipation of heat events (listed in no special order):

• Checking water troughs, floats, and water flow 
• Ensuring that floats permit water troughs to fill to at least 80% capacity
• Removing any remaining windbreak barriers including windbreaks, bale stacks, and weeds
• Scraping and reshaping dirt around water troughs and feedbunk aprons
• Re-fill low spots in pens with dirt or a combination of dirt and fly ash 
• Re-hang sagging gates and repair fences where cattle may escape
• Patching feed bunks
• Reminding everyone of their assignments in response to heat events
• Spray for flies on premises and aerially on cattle
• Inspect and repair cattle sprinklers and waterlines 
• Place mobile shades in pens and roll out fabric on permanent shade structures
• Keep an eye on temperature, wind, and humidity: the cattle comfort index (CCI) is available at (https://hprcc.unl.edu/sde/index.php#) and “feel-like” temperature conditions are available on most weather apps on cell phones. (As temperatures reach 80 degrees and humidity approaches 75%, heat stress begins to affect humans and cattle.)
• Don’t hesitate to use bedding to move cattle around yards, particularly on high areas or away from sprinklers
• Servicing scales and greasing cattle chutes, alleyways, and tubs 
• This may be a great time to do one final thorough cleaning (blowing dirt and debris off cabs and beds), greasing, and inspection of all loading, mixing, and delivery equipment 
• Replacing any burnt light bulbs in the yard, cattle shacks, shops, or offices
• Items to have available for use (in vehicles, around cattle working facilities, the shop or office): water containers (refill daily), electrolyte drinks, cups, fans, clean rags (to wet face and arms regularly), cellphones, two-way radios, device chargers, extra clothes, sunscreen, sun-protecting headgear, sunglasses, muck boots, brushes, water trough cleaning solution, eye and/or face protection, eyewear cleaning solution, and hearing protection
• Review and update health protocol with veterinarian, obtain prescriptions for prescribed antibiotics (oral and injectable), dewormers, and supportive therapies 
• Review cattle health protocols with appropriate personnel and post them where everyone can see them. Ensure that everyone knows what situations require veterinary oversight.
• Remind everyone of Beef Quality Assurance practices including drug withdrawal and euthanasia procedures
• Purchase and store at least 2/3 of all tags, needles, vaccines, biologics, implants, antibiotics, dewormers, and supportive therapy needed for the summer
• Clean and lubricate veterinary equipment and ensure that it is in working condition. Calibrate dosing equipment. Replace any equipment that does not perform to standards.
• Check that veterinary refrigerators are cooling product between 36 and 46 °F and ensure that coolers used chute-side keep product in this temperature range also
• Remind everyone to rotate stock so that product closer to expiration date is used first. At this time, eliminate any expired or opened product.
• Go through First Aid Kit and remove and replace expired products
• This is also a good time to post emergency procedures for various situations that may be encountered: loose livestock, injured livestock or workers, extreme weather events, power outages, etc.

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Week of May 18, 2026

Chances the US cowherd will expand in 2026

What are the chances the US cowherd will expand in 2026? Reports from around the country referring to trends established in late 2025 indicated modest intentions. The main indicator was 500,000 fewer heifers harvested between July and December of last year (38% of fed cattle harvest)

This trend may be softening in early 2026. The proportion of heifer harvest relative to steer and heifer harvest (fed cattle harvest) climbed back to 39.4% for the months of January through March of this year. Heifer harvest in early 2026 is at par with heifer harvest a year ago during the same period. 

If the last months of 2025 provided indication of heifer retention what might be holding back herd expansion? 

• Because of limited supply of feeder cattle, feeder cattle prices continue to be attractive and might be preventing the desire to hold heifers back.
• More importantly, weather patterns established during late 2025 continue to challenge producers’ interest to expand. 

Severe to extreme drought is affecting Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska. Moderate to severe drought is affecting western Kansas counties. Conditions in Southwestern South Dakota are not different from those of Western Nebraska. From the High Plains states, only North Dakota seems to be near normal for precipitation. 

Large cow-calf production Southeastern states, including Florida and Georgia, are particularly affected by extreme to exceptional drought. Severe and extreme drought is also affecting three important cow-calf production states in the South: Oklahoma and Tennessee and one Midwest state: Kentucky. 

The reality is that although there is incentive to expand the US cowherd, forage and feed supplies will be limited or unavailable for the remainder of 2026 unless late spring and early summer rains occur. These conditions may cause additional herd contraction instead of growth in this sector.

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Week of May 4, 2026

Consumer attitudes towards beef

May is beef month! 

This celebration is important to Cuming County beef producers and to all American beef producers. This celebration is a rallying point to kick off grilling season and to honor beef producers who work hard to produce food by managing land and cattle. 

As American beef producers celebrate beef month, it may be wise to revisit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for data on expenditures by the American consumer. Revisiting expenditure data by Americans is important as prices for beef increased rapidly and reached highs not ever seen before. 

As cattle markets reach new highs, most economists addressing cattle prices and market trends feel the urge to include a comment, nearly a footnote in most reports, warning of an imminent end to consumer desire to pay high prices for beef cattle. Yet, most economists, and even cattle producers, have been surprised at the continued appetite for beef demonstrated by the American consumer despite increasing retail beef prices.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average price of all uncooked ground beef, roasts and steaks across US cities not adjusted for seasonality. Since 2016, prices of all these products increased from 50% to 54% in 2025. For those who might suspect that retail beef is resistant to negative trends in beef cattle prices, it is worthwhile noting that retail beef prices decreased up to 3% during 2017 to 2019. In 2024, ground beef, roast and steaks sold at prices 34%, 37% and 42% greater, respectively, than in 2016. 

The most recent consumer expenditure survey in 2024 (surveying over 100 million households by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics) demonstrated that the average American household (2.4 people) spent $408 a year on beef. This is an increase of 67% in beef expenditure over 2016 when the average household spent $244 a year for a household of 2.5 people. 

A few items to note:

• In 2024, the average American household spent $408 yearly to purchase beef; an increase of $164 (or 67%) since 2016.
• Although beef prices have been in the political spotlight since the 2022 election, the average American household also spent more in other meats such as pork and poultry. In 2024, the increases in expenditure by American households for pork and poultry since 2016 were 54% and 55%, respectively.
• During the same period, expenditures by the average American household for dairy products, which do not include milk or fresh cream, (cheese and ice cream) increased 81%.

One might ask why is the increase in beef expenditures 67% when price increase should account for only 56% of that increase? The answer, interestingly, lies in greater beef consumption.

If a composite price is made from the respective prices of ground beef, steaks and roasts with each contributing one-third, average retail price for beef was $5.74/lb and $7.97/lb, respectively, in 2016 and 2024. Dividing the beef expenditures from each year by this beef price composite resulted in average household consumption of 42 lb in 2016 and 51 lb in 2024. 

This represents a 1-lb increase in household consumption of beef every year since 2016. This is despite a trend for increasing beef prices particularly in the most recent years.

Although greater price pressure is expected due to tightening supplies in 2026, the trend for the American consumer to desire and pay for beef is clear. This provides sufficient reason to go into Beef Month with a positive outlook and to abstain from commenting on whether consumers will continue to crave the taste of beef because it has become expensive.

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Rural Health

Hannah Guenther, Extension Educator

Week of June 8, 2026

Healthy Habits After Treatment

     June is Cancer Survivorship Month and one that touches many. Today, there are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States. Thanks to advances in prevention, screening, and treatment, more people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis than ever before. In honor of all the cancer survivors in our lives and communities, let’s focus on one small step that has a big impact on continued health and wellbeing after diagnosis. 

Nutrition is an important part of cancer survivorship. While there is no single food that can prevent cancer from returning, healthy eating habits can help support recovery, improve energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of other chronic diseases. Here are some simple tips to help you form healthier eating habits.

1. Fill Half your Plate with Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables provide your body with nutrients and antioxidants that help support your body’s healing and recovery. Aim to include a variety of colors on your plate! They are truly nature’s multi-vitamin. 
2. Choose Fiber-Rich Foods: Whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables provide fiber, which supports digestive health and may help reduce inflammation.
3. Limit Highly Processed Foods: Convenience foods can fit into a healthy diet, but focusing on more whole foods most of the time can provide greater nutritional benefits. Choose the cheese instead of the boxed cheese flavored crackers. 
4. Stay Hydrated: Water plays a role in nearly every function of the body. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. And remember most gas stations will let you refill your water bottle for free! 

Ready to get into the kitchen? Here is a simple recipe packed with nutrients and is great on its own or paired with protein. In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups cooked quinoa, ½ cup chopped red bell peppers, ½ chopped red onion, 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup chopped spinach, ¼ bunch chopped parsley, 1 container of feta cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar. Toss to combine and serve with grilled protein of your choice! 

For more information on the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Survivorship Program, go to: https://www.nebraskamed.com/cancer/cancer-survivorship-program

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Week o f May 25, 2026

Simple Summer Suppers

So recently, I have fallen into a serious rut. My cooking utensils have cobwebs, I haven’t touched my multi-cooker in months, and I shudder at the thought of turning on my oven. In terms of cooking and creating new recipes, I’m just kind of over it for lack of a better word. Nothing really sounds good and frankly if it weren’t detrimental to the health of me and my family, we would be on diet of chips, salsa, and popsicles. To continue to provide nutritious meals for my family, I have had to simplify greatly with meals that are simple, require little preparation. Here is my list of simple summer suppers that require few ingredients, minor preparation, and are nutritious. 

1. Air Fryer Brats 

Temperatures are continuing to rise. One of my favorite parts of summer is using the grill as our primary cooking appliance, but when it’s really hot – firing up the grill is avoided at all costs. The air fryer allows us to enjoy items that we would typically grill on very hot days including brats. Place brats in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they are not overcrowded or touching. Cook at 375F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. After cooking time is complete, use a cooking thermometer to ensure brats have reached an internal temperature of 145F. Serve with sliced cucumbers, garden tomatoes, and sweet corn for a simple summer supper. 

2. Egg Tacos 

Meals not only need to be simple and easy to prepare but also have a preparation time of under 15 minutes. We have been running around quite a bit this summer, so I usually have a matter of minutes to whip up dinner before my family revolts – enter egg tacos. We keep them simple with corn tortillas, scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa. I like to add some spinach into my eggs for an added vegetable. Serve with some fresh fruit for an easy twist on breakfast for dinner. 

3. Swiss Mushroom Burgers 

If temperatures are manageable, we will try to fire up the grill. Our go to this summer has been Swiss mushroom burgers. While burgers are cooking to an internal temperature of 160F, sauté sliced mushrooms on the stove or add to a grill basket. When done cooking, add mushrooms to burger and top with Swiss cheese. While the grill is on, cook up vegetables for a simple side dish. Zucchini, sweet corn, peppers, asparagus, and Brussel sprouts cook beautifully on the grill. A great meal planning tip is that whenever we grill, cook up more protein and vegetables than needed for the evening so that you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week. 

4. Black Bean Tostadas 

Without a doubt one of my favorite simple summer meals is a black bean tostada. Layer a tostada shell with refried black beans and top with cheese. Put into the microwave for 45 seconds to melt the cheese. Top with shredded cheese and salsa – that’s it! So simple, so delicious, and whipped up within 5 minutes. 

5. Cereal 

It would be wrong if I didn’t include this final simple summer supper. Cereal. Yep, that’s it! We try to always keep whole grain cereal on hand with low fat milk. Topped with summer berries, it’s a delicious, nutritious, and refreshing summer supper! 

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Week of May 11, 2026

Tan Lines Fade, Skin Damage Doesn’t

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United State with a 90% survival rate when treated before spreading to lymph nodes. With much more time spent outside in the sun, it is important to keep sun safety in mind. Here is a brief overview of skin cancer, self-screening practices, and finally some tips to protect your skin this summer. 

Skin is the largest organ of the body and is exposed to a variety of elements every day. Risk of skin cancer is increased from the following: excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, fair complexion, family history, smoking (smokers are 2 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma), having multiple moles, and skin that burns easily. Many will claim that their dark or olive complexion protects them from the risk of skin cancer, but skin cancer does not care about the color of your skin, everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer! 

As mentioned, skin cancer has a high survival rate when detected early! There are two methods of screening: self and clinical. Self-screening requires taking inventory of your skin to take note of any changes. Try to self-screen once a month and use the ABCD’s. Look for Asymmetry, irregular Border, uneven Color, and finally check the Diameter to see if it has changed in size. If you have a mole that is questionable, make an appointment with a dermatologist or your healthcare provider to do a clinical screening. I recently started getting annual skin checks and I truly look forward to them. It’s an easy way to take control of my health through preventative care. 

With the heat of summer upon us, let’s talk through some tips to practice sun safety: 

1. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. is the window of time with the strongest rays, if you are at risk of skin cancer you will want to avoid sun exposure during this time. 
2. SPF 30 is high enough sunscreen to block 90% of UV rays, but you need to apply 30 min before going outside and reapply every 2 hours in water. 
3. Sun Protective Clothing is a great option for individuals who work outside year-round. Long sleeves, sunglasses, and a hat that covers ears and the back of your neck is a great summer uniform for sun safety! 

At the end of the day, sun safety doesn’t have to mean avoiding summer fun. It’s about building small habits that protect your skin for the long run. Whether it’s throwing on a hat, seeking shade, scheduling outdoor time wisely, or remembering sunscreen before heading out the door, those simple choices can make a big difference. Your skin is with you for life, so take care of it!

For more information you can go to: https://www.nebraskamed.com/cancer/skin

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