During the month of May, many people take the time to think about the dangers of skin cancer, its impact on people’s lives, and how this condition can be prevented. That’s because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that attempts to raise the public’s awareness about skin cancer.

Every year, there are 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. This makes it one of America’s most common cancers. However, what many people don’t realize is that this cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers.

People can cut their risk of developing this form of cancer by wearing clothing that protects them from the sun, using sunscreen, and checking their skin regularly for warning signs. It’s these points that are brought to the forefront during the celebration of this month.

The History of Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Although we’re unsure of the exact year when this month was created, we do know that it has been around for quite some time and that it was created by a number of different organizations.

The organizations involved with this month’s creation include the CDC, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Skin Cancer Foundation. Each year, it’s also supported by a variety of other organizations interested in the public’s health.

Interesting Facts About Skin Cancer

Below are some of the interesting facts we’ve uncovered about skin cancer that we feel will spotlight the importance of learning more about skin cancer. Let’s take a look at them before moving on to how Skin Cancer Awareness Month can be observed.

• Approximately 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they reach 70.
• Every hour in the U.S., more than two people die of skin cancer.
• Early detection increases a person’s 5-year survival rate to 99%.
• A person who has had five or more sunburns has just doubled their risk for melanoma.

Observing Skin Cancer Awareness Month

All that’s required for people wishing to observe this month is for them to learn more about skin cancer, its risks, and the steps they can take to prevent it. As we stated earlier, people can lower their risk of skin cancer by using sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing, and staying in the shade whenever possible.

People can also check their skin for the early signs of skin cancer so they can get it taken care of immediately. After all, early detection of this disease results in a better treatment success rate. People are also encouraged to spread the news about Skin Cancer Awareness Month across social media.

It’s important that everyone works together to spread the news about this condition so that people who are developing skin cancer can get their condition quickly diagnosed and can get it treated immediately. Spreading the news about this month is easy. All a person has to do is to use the hashtag #SkinCancerAwarenessMonth on social media.