05/06/2026
MAY IS SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!!
• Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people younger than 30.
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
PREVENTION:
• Anyone can reduce their risk of skin cancer by following the 5 Ss of Sun Safety:
o Slip on sun protective clothing, such as long pants and sleeves.
o Slop on broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours.
o Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect the ears, scalp, and face. o Seek shade or shelter, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. o Slide of UV protective sunglasses.
• People should also avoid indoor tanning devices. EARLY DETECTION:
• Knowing one’s own skin and checking it regularly from head to toe can help them to identify changes that could be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Using a handheld mirror and a friend or partner to check hard to see places (such as the back and scalp) can be done once a month.
• When checking one’s skin, look for the ABCDEFs in moles:
-Asymmetry: When drawing a line through, both sides should match.
-Border: Uneven, jagged or irregular borders could be a sign of cancer.
-Color: Moles that have a variety of colors or change color over time should be checked by a doctor.
-Diameter: Moles that are larger than 6mm in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser) should be checked by a doctor.
-Evolving: Moles that change over time, such as getting larger, changing color, itching, bleeding, or crusting, should be checked by a doctor.
-Feeling: Moles that have developed a new feeling, such as itching or pain, should be checked by a doctor. • Dermatologists can conduct annual skin exams using a specialized, hand-held tool called a dermatoscope which uses light and magnification to see details of the skin that would not be otherwise visible.
• After a skin check with a dermatoscope, dermatologists may take a small scraping or remove an area of skin for examination in a lab to determine if it is cancerous, precancerous, or the result of some other skin condition.
