Happy May everyone - summer is just around the corner! It also just so happens that May is Skin Cancer Awareness month.
In honor of this month and to bring more awareness to skin cancer - as part of our on-going suncare smart series - I'm providing some awesome resources, tools and info to help you stay sun safe this summer and everyday.
Skin Cancer Facts
Unfortunately skin cancer is on the rise:
- It's actually the most common form of cancer in America.
- It's also estimated that one person dies from melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - every hour.
- The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.
Fortunately skin cancer is in large part preventable by wearing sunscreen daily, employing other sun protection habits (see our recent blog post "Top 5 Sun Protection Tips") and checking your skin regularly.
Skin Cancer Resources
The following organizations have amazing information and resources around skin cancer prevention that can help everyone.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
The American Academy of Dermatology represents virtually all practicing dermatologists in the United States with over 19,000 members. It is the largest, most influential and representative dermatology group in the US.
On their site for Skin Cancer Awareness month you can find great information on the different types of skin cancer, spotting skin cancer, quick shareable fact sheets and e-cards that offer sun protection tips & tricks and much more.
For this year they launched a campaign called #LookingGoodin2016 that's a new humorous PSA designed to encourage people to check for signs of skin cancer and share their story of what motivates them to keep their skin looking good. See the fun PSA below:
Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation's mission is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through research, education and awareness. The foundation is made up of distinguished physicians and people like you and me that are committed to the fight against skin cancer.
In addition to offering information on skin cancer, detection tips and sun protection guidelines, their site also offers a physician finder tool by zip code. Additionally on the site you can read true and inspirational stories about people's struggles with skin cancer.
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is comprised of researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention. Their mission is to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality through awareness, prevention, early detection, research, and advocacy.
In addition to providing tips and information on their site, The National Council declares the Friday before Memorial Day - "Don't Fry Day" - as a way to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.
Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest non-profit organization devoted to melanoma. The organization is committed to medical education and research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.
The MRF site provides detailed information on melanoma and ways to find both patient and caregiver support for the disease.
US Government
The US government has a number of agencies concerned with the health and safety of the American people and each consider sun safety paramount. Each of these agencies provide in depth recommendations and guidance around sun protection. Below is a list of the key government agencies and a link to their sun safety sections:
US Department of Health & Human Services
The Health Department is a cabinet-level department of the federal government. Their goal is to enhance and protect the health and well being of Americans. Here's their sun safety section.
US Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
The CDC is an agency under the Health Department that is tasked with the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability. Here's their sun safety section.
US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA is also an agency under the Health Department that is responsible for assuring the safety and efficacy of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation';s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Sunscreen is actually regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter drug. Here's their sun safety section.
US Environmental Protection (EPA)
The EPA is a government agency and their mission is to protect human health and the environment. Here's their sun safety section.
Hopefully you can find what you need in our list of resources. Yes the stats on skin cancer are frightening but it can be prevented (with sunblock and other sun protection habits) and can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early.
