May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: AADA

Occurring every May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is devoted to shining the spotlight on the most common cancer in the United States — skin cancer. It’s estimated that every day about 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer.

Many of these skin cancers could be prevented if people would protect their skin from the sun and stop using tanning beds.

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) brings you insights that can help you protect your skin. The AAD also shares information that can help you find skin cancer. When found early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

What is Melanoma Monday?

OnMelanomaMonday, the AAD encourages all Americans to begin a lifelong habit of examining their skin for signs of skin cancer.

The AAD began Melanoma Monday on Monday, May 1, 1995, and has observed it every year since. Melanoma Monday always occurs during Skin Cancer Awareness Month on the first Monday in May.

Key facts to know about melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 200,340 melanomas will be diagnosed and about 8,290 people will die of melanoma.

That’s why the AAD encourages everyone to begin a lifelong habit of checking their skin by performing skin selfexams. Here’s why these exams are so important:

• Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.

• Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including skin that’s had plenty of sun exposure and skin that’s usually protected from the sun.

• Melanoma can develop under or around a fingernail or toenail.

• You can find melanoma early by examining your skin for the ABCDEs of melanoma and checking your nails.

Dermatologists encourage everyone to check their skin for signs of skin cancer. People of all skin tones develop skin cancer. By checking your skin, you can find signs early.

Sun protection can reduce your skin cancer risk

Protecting your skin from the sun plays a key role in preventing skin cancer. However, a 2024 AAD survey found that more than 1 in 3 Americans (36 percent) said they had a sunburn in 2023. This is a significant increase over 2022.

The 2024 survey also revealed that Gen Z adults were less likely than adults in other generations to know key facts that can help them protect their skin from the sun. Here are key facts to know:

• When you’re outdoors, protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing sunprotective clothing, and applying sunscreen that offers broadspectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or higher. The AAD calls this Practicing Safe Sun.

• Sun protection is important every day of the year. You can get sunburned on a cloudy day and during the winter.

• You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating. It’s a myth that higher SPF sunscreens can be applied less frequently.

To learn how to use shade, clothing, and sunscreen to protect your skin, go to Practice Safe Sun: https://www.aad.org/ public/everyday-care/ sun-protection/shadec lothing-sunscreen/ practice-safe-sun

What will you do during Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

Now that you know the facts, what will you do this month to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and to find skin cancer early when it’s highly treatable?

When you Practice Safe Sun, you can decrease your risk of developing skin cancer and early skin aging.

Developing a lifelong habit of checking your skin for skin cancer can help you find skin cancer early. To get started with skin exams, some people sign up for an AAD free skin cancer screening. Others schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.

If you still have questions about how to find skin cancer early or reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, a board-certified dermatologist can help. No one knows your skin better. You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.