Melanoma Monday is recognized as the first Monday in May. The day is put aside to raise awareness about skin cancer by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, and the most deadly.

While skin cancer is not preventable, there are actions one can take in order to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. A large contributing factor of melanoma is the sun's UV rays. 

Facts about Melanoma:

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

  • Melanoma accounts for 5% of all skin cancers and 71% of all skin cancer deaths. It is estimated that one in every 50 Americans is diagnosed with melanoma.

  • Melanoma is growing at an epidemic rate with an estimated 3% increase in cases annually.

  • Caucasians and men older than 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population.

  • The incidence in men ages 80 and older is three times higher than women of the same age.

  • Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29.

  • When melanoma is detected at an early stage, surgical removal cures the disease in most cases.

  • The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color.

  • Patient or family-discovered melanoma accounts for more than half of all melanoma diagnoses. Check yourself!

 

Prevention:

  • Protect your skin.

  • Avoid sunburns.

  • Limit sun exposure, especially between the hours of 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.

  • Wear protective clothing when exposed to sunlight.

  • Use at least a SPF 30 sunscreen – applying 30 minutes before going out and 1-2 hours after.

  • Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays-UVA and UVB.

  • Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations.

  • Avoid sun tanning and tanning salons. Studies suggest that your risk of melanoma increases by 75% if you start using artificial tanning before you are 30 years old.

  • Examine your skin regularly, and have your doctor check your skin during all other health exams.

  • Use sunscreen as a part of your daily moisturizing ritual.