May is officially “Skin Cancer Awareness” month in the US and it makes sense.  The weather is getting warmer even in the most northern climes and people are shedding their winter clothes to enjoy the great warm weather.

Skin cancer facts from Skin Cancer.org:

  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.  (1)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year. (5)
  • One in 5 Americans and one in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. (3)
  • More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
  • A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. (2)

Early detection is the best defense against skin cancer. Begin with a self exam which could save your life.

Click here for a step by step guide to skin cancer self examination.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.  When caught early, it can be readily treated.  However,  it is especially hard to stop once it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.  That’s why regular self examinations are recommended.

Specialists have developed a new method of sight detection for skin lesions which could be melanoma so if you see anything suspicious, get to your doctor right away.  It could save your life.