Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Every year in May we acknowledge Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the U.S per year it is the most common form of cancer. Though it is the most common, it is also one of the most preventable and as a society we must inform people about the dangers that can come from unprotected sun exposure, and how to check your skin for potential signs. 1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.   
 

What You Need to Know 

The two main causes of skin cancer are the suns harmful ultraviolet (UV) rats and the use of UV tanning beds. If caught early, a dermatologist can treat skin cancer with little or no scarring and a high possibility of eliminating the cancer entirely.   
 
The 4 main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).     
 
Skin cancer affects people of all colors, including those with darker skin tones  who always tan or rarely burn. What’s more, for people of color, it’s often diagnosed too late, making it harder to treat. This includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Native American descent. 
 
The most important thing to do is get to know your skin type, protect your skin from the sun, check yourself monthly,  and see a dermatologist once a year for a full body exam. No matter what, if you notice anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin, contact a dermatologist right away.

How can you help?  

The Skin Cancer Foundation has created a very unique Toolkit to help spread awareness surrounding skin cancer.  The kit offers downloadable images to help spread facts and data regarding skin cancer.  You can help further spread the word about Skin Cancer Awareness Month by using the hashtag #Sharethefacts.   

This month we would love to hear more of your personal accounts with skin cancer.  Feel free to connect with us on social media and stay tuned for more skin cancer awareness posts!

 

Written by Michael Hanna