May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May 4, 2025
Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a skin classification system first developed in 1975 by Thomas Fitzpatrick, MD, of Harvard Medical School. There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. However, regardless of skin type, you should practice a complete sun protection strategy and regular skin exams. Click to TAKE THE QUIZ.
May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Melanoma Monday. This month is an essential time focused on promoting education, prevention, and early detection of the most common kind of cancer in the United States. This monthlong initiative highlights the risks associated with skin cancer while encouraging the public to adopt preventative measures and recognize the importance of early detection.
With over 90% of skin cancers linked to sun exposure, awareness about the latest protective measures becomes crucial. Skin cancers are generally classified into two main types: nonmelanoma, which includes basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and the less common but more severe melanoma. While May serves as a focal point for raising awareness, efforts to educate and promote skin health continue year-round, underscoring the ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of this disease.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, has been documented throughout human history, with evidence found as far back as ancient Egypt. Tumors suspected to be skin cancers were recorded in Egyptian papyri around 2500 BC, and historical mummies show signs of the disease. By the 5th century BC, Greek physician Hippocrates introduced the term "carcinos," describing tumors whose shape he compared to crabs due to their finger-like projections. At the time, treatment methods were rudimentary, as the condition was not yet fully understood.
Organizations seek to double impact...
May is the time to spotlight skin health as it marks both Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Skin Care Awareness Month. Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation lead efforts, offering resources, hosting events, and running campaigns designed to reduce the prevalence of skin cancer and save lives. Nowadays, the May observances serve a dual purpose.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of understanding skin cancer risks, recognizing early warning signs, and adopting sun protection practices to prevent conditions like melanoma. On the other hand, National Skin Care Awareness Month, though often observed in September, focuses on promoting overall skin wellness through healthy skincare routines, education on sun damage, and awareness of various skin conditions.
Skin cancer can go undetected for varying lengths of time depending on the type and how fast it grows. Basal cell carcinoma often grows so slowly that it can remain unnoticed for years, particularly in less visible areas of the body. On the other hand, melanoma is more aggressive, growing quickly and becoming increasingly more noticeable in a much shorter timeframe. Nonetheless, most skin cancers result from overexposure to UV rays, whether from sunlight or sunlamp tanning beds.
Melanoma Monday – Know the Risks
The most dangerous form of skin cancer, which is melanoma, has been documented for centuries, with the term “melanoma” first being used in 1838 to describe pigmented malignant skin lesions. Significant progress in its treatment began in the 19th century, the link between ultraviolet (UV) exposure and skin cancer became clearer, which led to early preventative strategies. Groundbreaking treatments like Mohs surgery emerged in the 1930s to improve patient outcomes.
Melanoma Monday, observed annually on the first Monday of May, is a key initiative dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Falling on May 5th in 2025, the campaign is part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month and focuses on promoting sun safety, early detection, and preventative measures. Early detection plays a pivotal role in successful treatment and is categorized by stage, such as:
- Stage Zero: The 5-year survival rate of the earliest stage (called carcinoma in situ) is almost 100%.
- Stage I: The 5-year survival rate where it has not spread to lymph nodes is around 92-95%.
- Stage II: The 5-year survival rate where tumors have thicken but not spread is around 70-81%.
- Stage III: The 5-year survival rate where disease has spread to lymph nodes is around 63.6%.
- Stage IV: The 5-year survival rate where it has spread to distant parts of the body can range from 15% to 35%.
The message is clear, which is why Melanoma Monday emphasizes the importance of regular skin checks. So, protect your skin by using broad spectrum sunscreen daily, seek shade and avoid tanning beds. Additionally, conduct self-exams to monitor for unusual moles, spots, or growths, and don’t hesitate to book a visit at a dermatology center if you notice unusual changes. By spreading awareness, the goal is to reduce melanoma diagnoses and encourage proactive skin health care.
When is Melanoma incurable?
Today, skin cancer is highly treatable, particularly when detected early. Non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, have exceptionally high cure rates, while early-stage melanoma treatment significantly improves survival outcomes. However, melanoma (particularly Stage IV) is generally considered very challenging to cure. At this stage, the cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to distant areas of the body.
The spread of melanoma to vital organs makes complete elimination extremely difficult. While there are treatments available that help manage Stage IV melanoma and may even lead to long-term remission for some patients, achieving a full cure is rare. According to the American Cancer Society, survival rates are based on data from large groups of people over time but may not accurately predict individual outcomes.
NOTE: If you find the statistics confusing or have specific questions about how they relate to your skin cancer case, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor for clarification and personalized insight.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States, affecting over 6 million people each year. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, known as nonmelanoma skin cancers, which rarely spread to other parts of the body. However, melanoma, another form of skin cancer, is more aggressive and can invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body more easily.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that by 2025, approximately 104,960 Americans will receive a melanoma diagnosis, and 8,430 lives will be lost to the disease.
Preventing skin cancer starts with protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, both from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. Key practices include reducing sun exposure, avoiding tanning beds, and making sunscreen a daily habit. Wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can also safeguard your skin from harmful rays. Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Regular self-examinations are vital to detect suspicious spots or changes early, and seeking professional advice from a clinician is essential when something looks unusual. Additionally, adopting sun safety measures year-round, and even on overcast days, is crucial. While minimizing UV exposure is the most effective prevention strategy, incorporating beneficial nutrients or natural remedies into your routine may provide added support that your skin needs.
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Keep a regular check on your skin for new or changing moles, and make it a priority to schedule an annual professional skin exam with Associates in Dermatology to maintain optimal skin health. Early detection of melanoma is the lesson to be learned since awareness is so important for the successful treatment of melanoma. So, call 800-827-7546 or schedule your appointment online at one of our sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
