Blog Entry

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Essential Prevention Tips for Families

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the risks of skin cancer and the importance of prevention. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the United States, it's crucial for families to understand how to protect themselves. This article provides essential tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe under the sun, detect potential problems early, and take advantage of professional skin cancer screenings.  

Understanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer develops when skin cells begin to grow abnormally, often due to cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. There are three major types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The most common type, often appearing as a pearly bump or a flesh-colored lesion.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – Frequently appears as a red, scaly patch or sore that heals and reopens.
• Melanoma – The most dangerous form, melanoma can develop in existing moles or appear suddenly as a new dark spot.

Risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure, family history, and a weakened immune system. Early detection is critical: when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. That’s why awareness and education are so important during Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Sun Safety Tips for Families

Protecting your family from sun damage is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Here are some practical tips to help build healthy sun safety habits:

1. Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily

Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously on all exposed skin, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

2. Dress for Protection

Encourage your family to wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Look for clothes labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) for extra defense.

3. Schedule Outdoor Time Wisely

UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and take advantage of shaded areas when outdoors.

4. Teach Sun Safety Early

Make sun safety a habit for children by explaining why it’s important and leading by example. Reinforce the importance of sunscreen and protective clothing through positive reinforcement and age-appropriate discussions.

Stat alert: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by 40%.

How to Check for Skin Cancer

Being proactive about your skin health means knowing how to identify potential warning signs.

Perform Monthly Skin Checks

Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror to inspect your entire body. Don’t forget areas like the back, scalp, soles of the feet, and between your toes.

Follow the ABCDEs of Melanoma:

• Asymmetry – One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border – Edges are ragged or blurred.
• Color – Color is not the same all over or has multiple shades.
• Diameter – Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolving – The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

If you spot a suspicious lesion or mole, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to have it checked.

Skin Cancer Screening Guidelines

In addition to self-examinations, professional skin cancer screenings are a key part of early detection.

When to Get Screened 

• General Population: Adults with average risk should have a full-body skin exam once a year.
• High-Risk Individuals: If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or frequent sun exposure, you may need more frequent screenings.

What Happens During a Screening

A dermatologist will examine your entire body for suspicious spots or moles. If anything looks abnormal, they may perform a biopsy, a quick and simple procedure, to determine if further treatment is needed. Early detection saves lives. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99%.

Conclusion

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that prevention, education, and vigilance can save lives. By incorporating simple sun safety habits, performing regular self-checks, and scheduling annual screenings, you and your family can reduce your risk of skin cancer significantly. Take action today: Talk to your loved ones about skin cancer, encourage healthy sun habits, and book a professional skin screening at one of our twelve locations today!

Sources

Skin Cancer Foundation – “Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines.” https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/ American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – “How to Spot Skin Cancer.” https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – “Skin Cancer Statistics.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/ National Cancer Institute – “Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.” https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) – “Skin Cancer: Screening.” https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening

Monday May 5, 2025