Skin Cancer & Melanoma Awareness Month: A Calm Look at Your Skin

What this observance is

Each May, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month draws attention to the most common cancer in the United States and to simple habits that can lower risk or lead to earlier discovery. The tone is meant to be practical, not alarming: skin is easy to see, and paying attention to it is something anyone can do.

What this cancer is

According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the skin, the body's largest organ. The main types are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, together called nonmelanoma skin cancer, and melanoma. NCI notes that nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common type and can usually be cured. Melanoma, which forms in the pigment-making cells called melanocytes, is much less common but is more likely to grow and spread to nearby tissue and other parts of the body. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanoma, and finding and treating it early may help prevent death from the disease. Skin cancer can occur anywhere but is most common in areas exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms.

Screening & prevention (per NCI)

NCI maintains an expert-reviewed summary on skin cancer prevention. It explains that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds is a risk factor for skin cancer, along with a fair complexion, many moles, a history of blistering sunburns, and a personal or family history of melanoma. NCI is careful about what is proven: it states that it is not known whether sunscreen use or avoiding sun exposure lowers the risk of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer, because the studies have not established this. At the same time, NCI notes that skin experts still suggest using sunscreen that protects against UV radiation, limiting time in the sun when it is strongest, and wearing long sleeves, long pants, hats, and sunglasses outdoors. NCI also publishes a screening summary; there is no single routine screening test recommended for everyone, and decisions about checking the skin are best discussed with a healthcare professional. See the NCI links for full details.

How to take part

• Learn what your own skin normally looks like so changes are easier to notice.
• Practice sun safety in the ways skin experts suggest, especially for children.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which give off UV radiation.
• Share accurate information rather than fear; awareness is most useful when it is calm.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• Given my skin type and history, what sun-protection habits make sense for me?
• Should any of my moles or skin spots be looked at?
• What kinds of skin changes are worth reporting?
• Where can I find reliable information if I want to learn more?