Melanoma Awareness Month educates the public about the most serious form of skin cancer, which develops in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Although less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma accounts for a large majority of skin cancer deaths. The annual campaign aims to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this disease through prevention and early detection strategies.
Identifying the Awareness Period
The period officially designated for this public health message is May, known as National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. Organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology drive this designation for extensive outreach. A key initiative is “Melanoma Monday,” which traditionally falls on the first Monday of May. This day serves as a launch point for awareness drives, free skin cancer screenings, and educational events.
Core Purpose of the Awareness Month
The primary goal of the awareness month is to underscore the profound impact of early detection on survival outcomes. When melanoma is identified and treated in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 99%. This high survival rate drops significantly once the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. In the United States, an estimated 104,960 new melanomas are expected to be diagnosed in 2025, and approximately 8,430 people are projected to die from the disease in the same year.
The month informs the public about major risk factors, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and tanning beds. Melanoma incidence is rising, particularly among women under 50 and people aged 50 and older. Education also focuses on genetic predisposition, as a family history or the presence of many moles increases lifetime risk. Health organizations seek to empower individuals to recognize their risk and engage in protective behaviors.
Actionable Steps for Prevention and Screening
Primary prevention involves diligent sun safety measures. It is important to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Sunscreen should be applied generously—about one ounce, or a shot glass full—to the entire body 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Reapplication is equally important, as sunscreen effectiveness diminishes over time and with activity. Individuals should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating significantly. Seeking shade is advised, particularly during the sun’s peak hours, which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Protective clothing is another simple barrier against UV exposure. This includes wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, and clothing with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. The secondary prevention strategy centers on early detection through regular skin self-examinations using the “ABCDE” method to identify suspicious moles or growths.
The “ABCDE” method uses five criteria to identify suspicious growths:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or notched.
- Color: Multiple shades of tan, brown, black, or areas of white, red, or blue exist within a single lesion.
- Diameter: The lesion is larger than 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolving: Any change in a mole’s size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding over time.
Any lesion displaying these characteristics should be evaluated promptly by a dermatologist, who can advise on the necessary frequency of professional skin checks, especially for those with elevated risk.