Health awareness months serve as a concentrated, national effort to educate the public about specific conditions, promote preventative health measures, and encourage advocacy. These designated periods structure public health campaigns, allowing medical organizations, non-profits, and government agencies to focus their resources on a single topic. By amplifying information across various platforms, these months aim to increase early detection rates, reduce risk factors, and foster a more informed healthcare dialogue.
National Health Observances in July
July is a busy period for national health observances, aligning multiple awareness campaigns with the height of summer activities. The most recognized monthly observances include Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month, which focuses on a rare but serious group of malignancies. July is also designated as UV Safety Month, an important reminder as people spend increased time outdoors under intense sun exposure. Furthermore, it is recognized as Eye Injury Prevention Month, directly addressing seasonal hazards that can lead to permanent vision loss. Other topics highlighted include National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, as well as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month.
Focusing on Cancer Awareness
July is dedicated to raising awareness for Sarcoma and Bone Cancer, a group often referred to as the “forgotten cancers” because they account for only about one percent of all adult cancers. Despite their rarity in adults, sarcomas represent a significant portion of pediatric cancers, making up 15 to 20 percent of childhood diagnoses. Sarcomas are malignancies that originate in the body’s connective tissues, such as fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and bone. They are broadly categorized into soft-tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, with over 50 different subtypes existing.
The challenge with these cancers is that initial symptoms can be vague, often presenting as a painless lump or swelling in a limb. This lack of specific symptoms frequently leads to a delayed diagnosis, which significantly impacts the five-year survival rate. For instance, the five-year survival rate for localized sarcoma is around 81%, but this drops sharply to only 16% once the disease has metastasized. Early detection is difficult because the tumor is not always visible and may be mistaken for a non-cancerous injury or cyst. Increasing public and medical professional awareness of the subtle signs of sarcoma is a necessary step toward improving patient outcomes.
Seasonal Safety Focus
The designation of July as UV Safety Month and Eye Injury Prevention Month addresses the practical health concerns posed by summer weather and outdoor activities. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer, and the summer months bring the highest intensity of both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns and are linked to most skin cancers. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., making it necessary to seek shade or take protective measures during these peak hours.
To mitigate UV damage, experts recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This protection should be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating, to maintain effectiveness. Protecting the eyes is equally important, as UV exposure can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye. Sunglasses should be labeled as blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and wrap-around styles offer superior protection by preventing rays from entering from the side.
Eye Injury Prevention Month highlights that nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home, many of which happen during summer activities. Common hazards include flying debris from yard work, chemicals from cleaning products or pool maintenance, and projectile impact from sports or recreational activities. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that up to 90% of these injuries could be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear. For tasks involving impact or chemicals, safety glasses must meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard to ensure sufficient protection. Avoiding consumer fireworks is also a significant safety measure, as these devices cause thousands of eye injuries annually, often to bystanders.
Turning Awareness into Action
Translating health awareness into personal action is the goal of these monthly observances. Individuals can take immediate steps by conducting regular self-examinations of their skin and soft tissues, feeling for unusual lumps that might signal an early sarcoma. Scheduling an annual skin check with a dermatologist and a comprehensive eye exam can help catch issues before they become serious health problems. The practical safety tips of UV Safety Month should be integrated into daily summer routines, ensuring sunscreen is applied correctly and protective clothing and hats are worn outdoors.
For Eye Injury Prevention Month, a simple action involves purchasing and keeping ANSI-approved protective eyewear readily accessible for all home repair, yard work, or sporting activities. Beyond personal health, action can involve community engagement, such as sharing reliable safety information with family and friends. Supporting organizations like the Sarcoma Foundation of America or non-profits focused on eye safety and cancer research helps fund continued education and advancements.