May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the dangers of skin cancer and to promote early detection and prevention. 

Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year, more than 5,000 of these are melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. 

It is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers if caught early. Skin Cancer Awareness Month aims to educate people about the importance of protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and to encourage regular skin cancer screenings.

Skin cancer screenings can help detect skin cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. It is recommended that everyone receive a skin cancer screening at least once a year, especially those with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of excessive sun exposure.

Key Takeaways

• Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a time to focus on the dangers of skin cancer and to promote early detection and prevention.
• Regular skin cancer screenings are recommended for everyone, especially those with a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of excessive sun exposure.

Understanding Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada, and it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or skin colour. It occurs when skin cells grow abnormally and out of control. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC):

• Most common type of skin cancer.
• Appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and arms.
• Looks like a raised, waxy bump or flat, scaly patch.
• Rarely spreads and is usually easy to treat.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC):

• Second most common type of skin cancer.
• Appears on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and arms.
• Looks like a red, scaly patch or a raised bump with a crusty surface.
• Can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

Melanoma:

• Most dangerous type of skin cancer.
• Can develop anywhere on the body, even in non-exposed areas.
• Often looks like a mole or dark spot with an irregular shape or border.
• Can be black, brown, or multicoloured.
• Spreads quickly and can be life-threatening if not treated early.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but some people are at higher risk than others. Risk factors for skin cancer include:

• Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes
• A history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
• A family history of skin cancer
• A weakened immune system
• Certain medical conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum

To reduce your risk of skin cancer, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. You can do this by:

• Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats
• Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Seeking shade during peak sun hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps

Regular skin cancer screenings can also help detect skin cancer early when it’s most treatable. 

During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist will examine your skin for any suspicious moles or growths. If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour, it’s important to see a dermatologist right away.

By understanding the different types of skin cancer, knowing your risk factors, and taking steps to protect your skin, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and stay healthy.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is observed every May to spread awareness about skin cancer, its prevention, and early detection. This month-long campaign aims to empower individuals to take control of their skin health and reduce their risk of skin cancer.

History and Significance

The Skin Cancer Foundation launched Skin Cancer Awareness Month in 1984 as a way to raise awareness about the dangers of skin cancer. Since then, the campaign has grown in popularity and has become an annual event that encourages people to take action to prevent skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada, one in every three cancers diagnosed worldwide is skin cancer, 80-90% of which are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, with early detection and treatment, skin cancer is highly curable.

Events and Activities

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, various events and activities are organized to promote skin cancer awareness. These events include free skin cancer screenings, educational seminars, and fundraising events to support skin cancer research.

Some of the events and activities that take place during Skin Cancer Awareness Month include:

• Skin Cancer Screening Day: This annual event takes place on the second Monday of May and offers free skin cancer screenings at various locations across the country.
• Sun Safety Day: This event is typically held in mid-May and aims to educate people about the importance of sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
• Melanoma Monday: This event takes place on the first Monday of May and is dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

In addition to these events, many organizations and individuals participate in social media campaigns to spread awareness about skin cancer. These campaigns often use hashtags such as #SkinCancerAwarenessMonth or #ProtectYourSkin to encourage people to share their skin cancer stories and promote skin cancer prevention.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an important campaign that empowers individuals to take control of their skin health and reduce their risk of skin cancer. By participating in events and activities, spreading awareness on social media, and practicing sun safety, you can help make a difference in the fight against skin cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is crucial in the fight against skin cancer. 

In 2016, about 6,800 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma and 1,200 will die from it. 

However, when detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people with early-stage melanoma is around 99 percent. (Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation)

Skin Cancer Screening Day provides an opportunity for individuals to get a full-body skin examination by a qualified healthcare professional. 

During the examination, the healthcare professional will check for any suspicious moles or lesions that could be an early sign of skin cancer.

 If anything is found, the healthcare professional will recommend further testing or treatment.

How to Participate

Participating in Skin Cancer Screening Day is easy. Simply find a participating healthcare provider in your area and schedule an appointment for a skin examination. Dr. Dekker offers healthcare-covered consultations for skin cancer screening all year around. 

In addition to participating in Skin Cancer Screening Day, there are other steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. These include wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, avoiding tanning beds, and staying in the shade during peak sun hours.

World Melanoma Day is also an important day to remember. It is celebrated on May 3rd every year and aims to raise awareness about melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. 

Overall, Skin Cancer Screening Day is an important event that can help save lives. By participating in a skin examination and taking steps to prevent skin cancer, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this common and potentially deadly disease.

Support and Resources

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with skin cancer, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you cope with the diagnosis and manage the disease. Here are some support and educational resources to consider:

Educational Materials and Resources

There are many educational materials and resources available to help you learn more about skin cancer. The Canadian Dermatology Association offers a Skin Cancer Awareness Month Toolkit with downloadable graphics and resources to help you educate others about skin cancer. The Save Your Skin Foundation provides educational resources and advocacy initiatives to fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma, and ocular melanoma.

In addition, the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation offers a variety of educational materials on its website, including information on how to perform skin self-exams, how to protect your skin from the sun, and how to identify the warning signs of skin cancer.

Remember, early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer. By staying informed and seeking support, you can take control of your health and well-being.