April 29th, 2025
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the United States. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed each May, to promote awareness about this disease.
In addition to Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Melanoma Monday was established to further emphasize the importance of skin health. This day takes place annually on the first Monday of May, which falls on May 5th this year. The end goal is to raise awareness about the prevalence of skin cancer and to highlight that it is both treatable and preventable.
What is Melanoma Monday?
Melanoma Monday was created by the AAD and was first observed on May 1, 1995. Since then, it has been held annually. Melanoma Monday serves as a reminder for individuals to check their skin for signs of cancer and to incorporate skin checks into their skincare routine if they haven't already done so.
Regularly examining your skin once a month for signs of cancer can help detect skin cancers, including melanomas, at an early stage when they are highly treatable. In addition to monthly self-exams, schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist for a professional evaluation. This combination is crucial for early detection and prevention.
Statistics and Why They Matter
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide. Unfortunately, without regular monitoring, it's easy to miss signs of Melanoma because it can develop anywhere on the skin, even in less obvious places like around fingernails and toenails.
The statistics surrounding Melanoma, according to the AAD, paint a concerning picture:
More than 1 million Americans are living with Melanoma
- An estimated 212,200 new cases of Melanoma will be diagnosed in 2025.
- Melanoma rates in the United States have been rising rapidly over the past 30 years
- Invasive Melanoma is projected to be the 5th most commonly diagnosed cancer for both men and women in 2025.
These numbers underscore the importance of early detection and proper sun protection. Skin cancer, including Melanoma, can affect anyone at any stage of life. Being proactive about your skin health can significantly reduce your risk and potentially save lives.
How Can This Movement Help Raise Skin Awareness?
One of the best ways to increase awareness and encourage preventive measures is using key moments like Melanoma Monday and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May. These opportunities can help spread important information about protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer. Unfortunately, despite progress in awareness, studies show that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are less informed about sun protection and skincare compared to older generations. This gap in knowledge presents a crucial opportunity to share life-saving information.
Here are some key preventative measures to incorporate into your routine:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
By raising awareness about these steps and encouraging early detection, we can significantly reduce the incidence of skin cancer and ensure more people are equipped to spot the early warning signs of Melanoma.
How to Participate in Melanoma Monday
At PMC, we are encouraging everyone to participate in Melanoma Monday by wearing their favorite black T-shirt, socks, dress, or pants, etc. We would love to see participation from anyone and everyone.
If your workplace isn’t supporting Melanoma Monday in this way, there are other ways to get involved, such as spreading awareness through social media. Share information, statistics, and facts with your family and friends to educate them about the importance of this day. Encourage them to schedule their annual skin check with a dermatologist or to add a self-skin check to their routine once a month. Together, we can continue to take action by spreading the word about Melanoma awareness and sharing tips on how to prevent skin cancer, both individually and collectively.
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