National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month is observed in May and sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology. This awareness month raises awareness about skin cancer and helps people take action to prevent or detect it, both at home and in the community. Wear black to raise awareness about melanoma. In addition, wear orange to raise awareness of skin cancer, in general. Both colors represent different aspects of skin cancer. Personalized Cause offers both personalized and non-personalized awareness products in black and orange. These include enamel awareness ribbon pins, fabric ribbons, and silicone awareness wristband bracelets.

Wear Black to Raise Awareness About Melanoma During National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month raises awareness that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma. Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it is found and treated early. Skin cancer prevention is key.

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month Statistics

Each year the month of May is designated National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Skin cancer, including melanoma, is currently the most common form of cancer in the nation with more than two million people diagnosed every year and one person dying every hour in the United States. Although the survival rate for melanoma is higher than most other serious cancers, the mortality rates are still on the rise.

There are two major groups of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. It is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.

Skin cancer risk can be lowered greatly by taking these easy and simple to follow steps:

Apply sunscreen DAILY.

The sun comes up every day which means you should put on sunscreen every day, even if it’s a cloudy day. Anywhere from 70-80% of UV rays can travel through the clouds. A recommended amount of SPF that should be used daily is no less than 15. Remember to get your ears, the back of your neck, and exposed areas of your scalp which may be forgotten.

Look for the shade.

During the hottest time of the day, roughly 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, it is crucial to stay out of the sun for as long as possible. It is very easy to get sun burned if you’re not wearing proper protection during these hours.

Wear proper clothing.

Densely woven or darker fabrics protect against the sun better than plain white T-shirts. Long sleeved shirts and full length pants are preferable for those being exposed for an extended period of time. Sunglasses are great to keep the harmful UV rays out of your eyes. However, make sure they aren’t reflective or mirrored.  Sunglasses that are reflective will actually bounce those rays on your face.  In addition to these, hats are a great way to keep the rays out of your face and off your scalp.