Skin Cancer Awareness Month

by | May 4, 2025 | Health

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Health

May Is the Time to Educate, Prevent, and Empower

Why This Matters

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and it’s the perfect opportunity to protect yourself and those you love. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, yet also one of the most preventable.

Over 5 million cases are diagnosed annually. Though it’s often thought of as a risk only for people with fair skin, skin cancer affects all skin tones—and when detected late in people of color, outcomes are often more severe. Early detection and daily prevention habits can be lifesaving.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. The most common types include:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Often caused by long-term sun exposure; typically appears as a pearly bump.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May look like scaly red patches, especially on sun-exposed skin.

  • Melanoma: The deadliest form. Less common but fast-spreading if not caught early.

Know the Warning Signs: The ABCDEs of Melanoma

  • A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other

  • B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges

  • C – Color: Multiple shades or uneven distribution

  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

  • E – Evolving: Changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

While skin cancer can affect anyone, risk increases with:

  • Skin Tone: People of color may experience delayed diagnosis due to lower perceived risk.

  • History of Sunburns: Especially severe sunburns in childhood

  • Family History: Genetic predisposition increases risk

  • Immunosuppression: Organ transplant recipients or those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable

Prevention Toolkit: Your Sun Safety Musts

☀️ Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating
Avoid tanning beds—no tan is a safe tan
Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest

Self-Examination Guide

Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror
Follow the ABCDEs of melanoma
️ Use a body mole map to track new or changing spots over time

DMV-Area Story: Cynthia’s Lesson

Cynthia, a 42-year-old teacher in Prince George’s County, never imagined she could be at risk. With medium brown skin and no history of tanning, she was stunned when a suspicious mole on her shoulder turned out to be melanoma.

A free community screening led to early diagnosis—and likely saved her life.

“I thought it wasn’t something I needed to worry about,” Cynthia says.
“I’m so thankful I didn’t ignore it.”

Free & Low-Cost Resources in the DMV

Trusted National Resources

Final Thoughts

Skin cancer is serious—but awareness saves lives. Whether you’re applying sunscreen, helping a child cover up, or scheduling your first skin exam, every action matters.

Take time this May to protect your skin and empower others to do the same.
Healthy skin is more than beauty—it’s your body’s frontline of defense.

Dr. Bertrand Fote, MD, MBA, FACEP, CF2
Emergency Medicine Physician · Health Equity Advocate · Community Health Educator

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