Every May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of protecting our skin! As the most common form of cancer in the United States, skin cancer affects millions of people each year. Awareness is so important because skin cancer is very preventable and, when caught early, highly treatable. With millions of cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, it is imperative to get your skin checked every year. Despite its prevalence, awareness around skin cancer prevention and treatment remains low. Skin Cancer Awareness Month aims to change that and make a difference in the health of everyone.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The most common and least dangerous form. These skin lesions usually present as a pearly pink papule, often on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – The second most common type and more aggressive than a BCC. These skin lesions often appear as a red, scaly, or crusted patch that may bleed, scab or not heal.
- Melanoma – The most serious form of skin cancer, developing in the pigment-producing melanocytes, with a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body. These lesions typically present with asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, larger than 1cm in diameter, and are evolving and changing over time.
Melanoma Monday: the first Monday of May
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma—the most dangerous form of skin cancer. One person dies of melanoma about every hour, making it a very important cancer that individuals should definitely be aware exists. It serves as a reminder to always check your skin regularly or get skin exams by a dermatology provider. It also serves as a way to educate people the importance of sun protection and early detection because when melanoma is caught early, it is treatable.
Prevention Starts with Protection
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the most effective way to reduce your risk. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days, is essential to protecting your skin. It is also imperative to reapply sunscreen every couple hours and avoid the sun during the peak hours.
Get Involved This May
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is more than just a health campaign—it is a call to action. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the number of cases and protect ourselves and our loved ones. This May, take a moment to care for the skin you are in and promote skin cancer safety and prevention for both yourself and others around you. May is the perfect time to make an appointment for your yearly skin cancer screening examination with one of our Dermatology providers here at Beacon Skin and Surgeries!
Megan Bacall, PA-C
