Melanoma Doesn't Take a Summer Break, And Neither Should Your Awareness

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. You probably saw the social media posts, the ribbon graphics, maybe even a news segment or two. And now that June is here, those posts have quieted down. The ribbons are gone. The conversation has moved on.

But here's the thing, melanoma hasn't.

Skin cancer doesn't check the calendar. It doesn't slow down in the summer, take a break in the fall, or hibernate in the winter. In fact, for many people, the months after Melanoma Awareness Month are when they're most at risk. Summer is peak sun exposure season, and that means the danger is only escalating from here.

Why Melanoma Deserves Year-Round Attention

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, but it's responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. In the United States alone, roughly 100,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, and that number has been climbing steadily for decades.

What makes melanoma so dangerous isn't just how aggressive it can be, it's how treatable it is when caught early. Detected at stage one, the five-year survival rate is over 98%. Caught at stage four, that number drops dramatically. The difference between those outcomes often comes down to one thing: how quickly someone noticed something was wrong and got it checked out.

That's why awareness can't be confined to a single month. Early detection requires consistent vigilance, not a once-a-year reminder.

The Summer Sun Isn't Your Friend (At Least Not Without Protection)

Here's a little irony: melanoma awareness peaks in May, right before the months when most people spend the most time in the sun. Memorial Day kicks off beach season, school lets out, vacations begin, and UV exposure goes through the roof.

UV radiation from the sun (and from tanning beds) is the primary cause of melanoma. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin. UV exposure is cumulative, meaning every sunburn you've had in your life has contributed to your overall risk. That sunburn you got at the lake as a kid? It still counts.

Here's what actually works for protection:

Sunscreen - Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every two hours (or after swimming or sweating). Most people apply far less than they need for full coverage.

Protective clothing - UPF-rated shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses aren't just for the beach. They're for every day spent outside.

Shade - UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can, seek shade during peak hours.

Avoid tanning beds entirely - Using a tanning bed before age 35 increases your melanoma risk by 59%. There is no such thing as a "safe tan" from artificial UV sources.

Know What You're Looking For

One of the most powerful tools in melanoma prevention is something you can do at home: regular skin self-exams. You're looking for anything that's new, changing, or unusual. Dermatologists use the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide:

• A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other

• B - Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred

• C - Color: Uneven color, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue

• D - Diameter: Larger than about 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller

• E - Evolving: Any mole that is changing in size, shape, or color

You should also watch for spots that look different from your other moles, dermatologists call this the "ugly duckling" sign. If something stands out as unusual compared to your other spots, that's worth having evaluated.

Do a full-body skin check once a month. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas, or ask a partner to help. And don't forget your scalp, between your toes, and the soles of your feet, melanoma can appear anywhere, including places that rarely see the sun.

Who's at Risk?

The short answer is: everyone. But some people carry a higher risk than others. You're at elevated risk if you:

• Have fair skin, light eyes, or red or blonde hair

• Have a history of sunburns, especially blistering burns

• Have a family history of melanoma

• Have more than 50 moles, or any unusual or atypical moles

• Have a personal history of skin cancer

• Spend significant time outdoors or work outside

• Used tanning beds

Even if none of these apply to you, annual skin checks by a board-certified dermatologist are a smart investment in your health.

Don't Wait for Next May

Melanoma Awareness Month is a great catalyst. It gets people talking, gets people checking, gets people making those dermatology appointments they've been putting off. But it was never meant to be the whole conversation, just the starting point.

If May passed and you still haven't scheduled your annual skin exam, there's no better time than right now. If you noticed a mole that's been bothering you, don't wait to see if it changes more. If it's been more than a year since a dermatologist looked at your skin, you're overdue.

The calendar may have moved on from Melanoma Awareness Month. Your awareness shouldn't.

Ready to get your skin checked? The team at Specialists in Dermatology is here for you, not just in May, but all year long. Early detection saves lives, and a skin exam is one of the simplest, most impactful things you can do for your health. Call us today at (520) 382 - 3330 or click book now to schedule your appointment.