Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month takes place every May, shining a light on America’s most common cancer. This month encourages everyone to learn about prevention, practice early detection, and protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Commit to regular self-exams and consult a dermatologist for any suspicious changes.
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Expected Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month Deals
Throughout Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial awareness and fundraising efforts. Organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology often partner with corporate sponsors for donation matching programs, public service campaigns, and free or low-cost skin screenings. Major sunscreen brands such as Neutrogena and EltaMD may run educational campaigns, offering discounts on high-SPF products or donating a portion of sales to research. Retailers like CVS and Walgreens often highlight sun protection products and provide in-store health information. Look for opportunities to donate to melanoma research and support advocacy groups working to reduce skin cancer rates. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as May approaches.
Platform Guide for Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SkinCancerAwareness. Share educational infographics and personal stories of detection and prevention.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #MelanomaMonth. Post visual guides for self-skin checks or demonstrate proper sunscreen application.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #DermatologyHealth. Share professional insights on research advancements or workplace sun safety policies.
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month Hero
Dr. Alfred W. Kopf
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month timeline
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that two topical creams, used together, greatly reduce the odds for squamous cell carcinomas — the second most diagnosed form of skin cancer.
The World Health Organization moved UV tanning beds to its highest cancer risk category: "carcinogenic to humans." Prior to the move, the group had classified tanning bed use as "probably carcinogenic."
Studies determined that a procedure called "dermoscopy" is more accurate than a doctor's visual examination for identifying potential melanomas.
Research showed skin cancer – including melanoma – increased in both children and young adults. The incidence of melanoma rose 3 percent each year from 1973 to 2001 in people under 20.
Australian researcher Henry Lancaster linked the sun's ultraviolet radiation to increased cases of melanoma. He was the first to measure the connection between melanoma and latitude — especially in Australia and New Zealand.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Local businesses can significantly contribute to Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month by promoting sun safety. Salons and spas can offer educational materials on skin checks during appointments. Outdoor recreation businesses can provide complimentary sunscreen samples or offer discounts on UPF apparel. Pharmacies can host free skin cancer screenings or partner with local dermatologists for Q&A sessions. Restaurants with outdoor seating can ensure shaded areas and provide sunscreen for patrons, reinforcing a commitment to customer well-being.
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month FAQs
When is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month?
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month will be observed throughout May 2027, continuing its mission to raise awareness about the most common cancer in the United States. It’s a key period for education on prevention and early detection.
How common is skin cancer in the U.S.?
Annually, there are more new cases of skin cancer than all other cancers combined, making it exceptionally prevalent. Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, underscoring the importance of prevention.
What is melanoma and why is it dangerous?
Considered the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma develops when pigment-producing cells become cancerous. Its danger lies in its aggressive nature and high potential for metastasis, making early diagnosis critical for successful treatment and survival.
What are the ABCDEs of melanoma detection?
To help identify potential melanoma, dermatologists recommend checking for the ABCDEs: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Color, a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and any Evolving changes in a mole. These signs are crucial for early detection.
How to Observe Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
See a doctor
Schedule a visit if you notice any changes to your skin that concern you. Not all changes signal a problem. Make time during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month to examine your skin.
Wear sunscreen
It's a good idea year-round. Sunscreens don't filter out all harmful UV rays, especially those that can lead to melanoma, but they play a very big role in overall protection.
Avoid tanning beds
People who use a tanning bed before the age of 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. Plus, UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging (wrinkles, loose skin, brown spots) as well as skin cancer.
5 Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Fair skin
If you have blonde/red hair and light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you need to take extra precautions.
Abnormal moles
The medical term is "dysplastic nevi." Monitor them regularly and see a doctor if you spot changes. Check your skin during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Too much sun
Sunny days might lift your mood, but not your skin. Living at higher altitudes prone to strong sunlight also exposes you to more radiation.
Smoking
Here's another reason to quit: Smokers are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancers, particularly on the lips.
Family/personal history
Pay extra attention if you, a parent, or a sibling has, experienced skin cancer before.
Why Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month is Important
One in five Americans
Skin cancer's widespread. Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every day. More than a million Americans are living with melanoma (the most dangerous type).
Early treatment leads to cures
Common types including basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are highly curable. And the five-year survival rate for people who can detect and treat melanoma before it spreads to the lymph nodes is nearly 100 percent.
High costs
The annual cost of treating nonmelanoma skin cancer in the U.S. is estimated at $4.8 billion, while the average annual cost of treating melanoma is estimated at $3.3 billion.
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