Today is Melanoma Monday
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) began Melanoma Monday on Monday, May 1, 1995, and has observed it every year since. Melanoma Monday always occurs during Skin Cancer Awareness Month on the first Monday in May.
Key facts to know about melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 200,340 melanomas will be diagnosed and about 8,290 people will die of melanoma.
- Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
- Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including skin that’s had plenty of sun exposure and skin that’s usually protected from the sun.
- Melanoma can develop under or around a fingernail or toenail.
- You can find melanoma early by examining your skin for the ABCDEs of melanoma and checking your nails.
People of all skin tones develop skin cancer.
Sun protection can reduce your skin cancer risk
Protecting your skin from the sun plays a key role in preventing skin cancer. However, a 2024 AAD survey found that more than 1 in 3 Americans (36%) said they had a sunburn in 2023. This is a significant increase over 2022.
The 2024 survey also revealed that Gen Z adults were less likely than adults in other generations to know key facts that can help them protect their skin from the sun.
Here are key facts to know:
- When you’re outdoors, protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or higher. The AAD calls this Practicing Safe Sun.
- Sun protection is important every day of the year. You can get sunburned on a cloudy day and during the winter.
- You need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. It’s a myth that higher SPF sunscreens can be applied less frequently.
To learn how to use shade, clothing, and sunscreen to protect your skin, go to Practice Safe Sun. [source]