May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Risks, Prevention, and the Power of Early Detection

basal cell carcinoma broad-spectrum sun screen climate change melanoma moh's micrographic moles non-melanoma skin cancer ozone depletion skin skin cancer skin cancer awareness month squamous cell carcinoma sunblock sunburn tanning beds tanning industry uv exposure uv index uv protection uv rays May 28, 2025

As warmer weather draws us outdoors, May serves as a vital reminder that our skin—the body’s largest organ—needs consistent care and protection. Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in May, is a public health campaign aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of skin cancer through education, prevention, and early detection.

While skin cancer is most prevalent in countries with fair-skinned populations and high UV exposure, its global impact is growing. Here's what the worldwide data shows:

Global Incidence and Mortality

According to GLOBOCAN 2022, there were:
- Over 1.5 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) worldwide
- Over 330,000 new cases of melanoma of the skin
- Approximately 57,000 deaths from melanoma globally in 2022[^1]
Non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC) are more common but underreported in many countries because they are often treated in outpatient settings and not registered in cancer registries.

By Region:

Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence rates of skin cancer in the world, especially melanoma.
- In Australia, 2 out of 3 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70[^2].
- Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia and first among young adults aged 15–39[^3].
North America and Northern/Western Europe also have high incidence rates, due to both UV exposure and skin type (lighter skin tones are more vulnerable).
Rates are increasing in countries with aging populations and growing UV exposure, including some parts of Asia and Latin America, although incidence is still lower compared to Western countries.
Africa and South Asia generally report lower rates, but late diagnosis is more common, and albinism (especially in parts of sub-Saharan Africa) increases skin cancer risk significantly among affected individuals[^4].

Contributing Global Factors:

Climate change and ozone depletion are increasing UV radiation levels worldwide
Urbanization has led to lifestyle shifts that include more recreational sun exposure
Global tanning industry continues to promote unsafe practices despite known risks
Access to dermatologic care and public education varies significantly by country

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Is Critical

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Each year, over 5 million cases of skin cancer are treated in more than 3 million people, making it more common than all other cancers combined¹².

Major Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Most common and slow-growing
- Appears as pearly bumps or flesh-colored nodules
- Rarely spreads but can cause local tissue damage
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Second most common form
- Can appear as scaly patches, open sores, or warts
- More likely to invade deeper layers of skin or metastasize if untreated
Melanoma
- Less common but most deadly
- Develops in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes)
- Early detection leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate if localized³

Know the Risk Factors

While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase the risk:

UV exposure: Sunlight and tanning beds are the leading causes
Skin type: Fair skin, red/blond hair, light eyes, and freckles mean higher susceptibility
Sunburn history: Especially burns during childhood or adolescence
Family history: Genetic predisposition increases risk
Moles: Having many or atypical (dysplastic) moles raises the chance of melanoma
Immune suppression: Including organ transplant recipients

Preventive Measures: Your First Line of Defense

1. Sunscreen: Use It Daily

Choose broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection with SPF 30 or higher
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating
Apply even on cloudy days—up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds⁴

2. Protective Clothing

Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
Look for UPF-rated fabrics (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

3. Seek Shade

Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest

4. Avoid Tanning Beds

Indoor tanning devices emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun⁵
Use of tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%⁶

5. Monthly Skin Self-Exams

Get familiar with your skin and monitor changes
Use mirrors or a partner to check hard-to-see areas

ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection

Use this checklist to identify potentially dangerous moles:

Letter	What to Look For
A	Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B	Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
C	Color: Varied shades of brown, black, or even red and blue
D	Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
E	Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color

If you notice any of these signs, see a dermatologist promptly.

Early Detection Saves Lives

When caught early:

The 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%
Annual skin checks by a board-certified dermatologist are recommended, especially if you're at high risk
Visual inspections plus dermoscopy or biopsy help confirm diagnoses

How to Participate in Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Schedule your annual skin check with a dermatologist
Share sun safety tips with friends, family, and on social media (#SkinCancerAwareness)
Distribute sunscreen samples at schools, workplaces, or community events
Support or fundraise for organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation or Melanoma Research Alliance

Conclusion: Your Skin Deserves Year-Round Protection

May is a time to recommit to skin health—whether that’s through better sun habits, educating others, or booking a long-overdue checkup. Skin cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early, but awareness is the first step. Remember: every day is a good day to protect your skin.

📚 References

American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer.” https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer ↩
Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics.” https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/ ↩
American Cancer Society. “Survival Rates for Melanoma Skin Cancer.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates-for-melanoma-skin-cancer.html ↩
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Sun Safety.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm ↩
World Health Organization. “Artificial tanning sunbeds: risk and guidance.” https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/artificial-tanning-sunbeds-risk-and-guidance ↩
International Agency for Research on Cancer. “Exposure to Artificial UV Radiation and Skin Cancer.” https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Working-Group-Reports/Exposure-To-Artificial-UV-Radiation-And-Skin-Cancer-2006 ↩

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