may 4, 2016
The Skin Cancer Foundation observes Skin Cancer Awareness Month
NEW YORK, NY – The Skin Cancer Foundation, the only international organization solely devoted to educating the public on how to prevent, detect and treat the world’s most common cancer, today announced a month-long education campaign and fundraising drive in observance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Taking place each May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month provides a reminder to everyone that skin cancer is primarily a lifestyle disease; knowing the risk factors and warning signs, and practicing sun protection are all crucial to reducing your risk.
Fast Facts:
Skin cancer is very common. One in five Americans will develop it in the course of a lifetime.
Most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. In fact, 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Early detection is key. Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early, but can become disfiguring, and even deadly, if allowed to grow.
Skin Cancer Explained
In an effort to educate the public about both well-known and lesser-known types of skin cancer, The Skin Cancer Foundation will spotlight a different form of the disease each week of the month on its website, SkinCancer.org. While melanoma is often the most “talked about” form of skin cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancers make up the majority of diagnosed cases. Each year in the U.S. over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people.
The weekly topics will include melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer), rare skin cancers (including acral lentiginous melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma), and two very common nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Beyond prominently featuring these topics on SkinCancer.org, the Foundation will open a dialogue on Facebook and Twitter with its active online community of skin cancer survivors and supporters. The campaign will utilize #SkinCancerMonth to further amplify the awareness message.
Raising Funds to Lower Incidence
This May, The Skin Cancer Foundation will also host a fundraising drive to support its ongoing efforts to lower skin cancer incidence through education and awareness programs. Donations can be made online at SkinCancer.org/donate. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are fully tax deductible.
Prevention is Key
The Skin Cancer Foundation believes that prevention is the key to reducing skin cancer incidence and recommends the following year-round prevention guidelines:
Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an
SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
