Break Out The Sunscreen For Melanoma Monday

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Monday, May 4 marks the annual “Melanoma Monday,” an awareness day created by the American Academy of Dermatologists to promote early detection and prevention for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. The day also helps to kick off Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, recognized nationally each May.

“May is traditionally the gateway to summer and also when we begin spending more time outdoors enjoying warmer weather. As such, it’s an opportune time to remind Nevadans to protect their skin from over-exposure to the sun’s UV radiation,” said Cari Herington, executive director of the Nevada Cancer Coalition. “We see about 300 days of sunshine annually in Nevada, and regardless of whether it’s clear or overcast, or whether you’re spending 30 minutes or 3 hours outside, putting on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be a part of your routine.”

According to the American Dermatological Association one in 20 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour. In Nevada it is estimated that about 470 Nevadans will receive a melanoma diagnosis in 2015 and of those, about 70 will die from the disease. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to UV radiation either outdoors or through indoor tanning, and is highly preventable.

A good rule of thumb for skin cancer prevention outdoors is “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide.” The health campaign, originally launched in Australia, encourages people to:

• Slip on a shirt or sun protective clothing
• Slop on sunscreen with a substantial SPF rating, at least 15 – 30 with both UVA and UVB protection, and re-apply every two hours
• Slap on a hat, the wider the brim the better
• Seek shade or shelter during peak sun exposure times, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Slide on sunglasses to protect the eyes

For more information on skin cancer prevention and detection visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention skin cancer section online, or learn more on NCC's Skin Cancer and Melanoma page.

photo credit: SVTHERLAND via photopin cc