National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month each year in the United States. It's a time to pay attention to the dangers of skin cancer, and to learn more about this difficult disease.

Lots of people don't really know much about skin cancer, even though there's a good chance that they'll end up getting it at some point in their lives. They might not be able to answer important questions such as:

• whether a mole is really cancerous
• whether skin cancer will kill you.
• Best way to avoid this disease

Learning about the sun

It's not a coincidence that Skin Cancer Awareness Month happens in May. That's when the summer sun is really starts to get going in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The weather is warm, the days are beautiful, and lots of people are starting up summer sports and activities.

This is a dangerous time for skin cancer and a good time to teach us how to avoid it. Expect to see Skin Cancer Awareness Month campaigns that will help people understand the connection between sun exposure and the most dangerous kinds of cancer.

Some organizations even offer free skin cancer screening programs for people who aren't able to afford a trip to the doctor. These screenings can help you find out if you're at risk for this disease, and what to do if you think you have it.

Who gets involved

All kinds of organizations get involved in National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The Skin Cancer Foundation is one of the biggest advocates, offering all kinds of information and activities. You'll also probably hear some educational information from the American Cancer Society during this time.

These are some of the biggest groups working to improve our knowledge of skin cancer, but local groups and even schools and hospitals may get involved, too. The end goal is to make sure that people understand the dangers of skin cancer and what to do about it.

This is an excellent time to find out information about support groups who can help skin cancer patients, survivors, and family members of people who've had cancer. These groups can offer the kind of support that we need to deal with this disease.

You might be surprised by how much you can benefit, just by knowing that other people are going through the same things you are. Skin cancer isn't something that anyone should have to deal with on their own, and there are plenty of skin cancer support groups out there to help.

What You Can Do

There are things you can do if you're a survivor of skin cancer, a friend or family member of someone who's suffered with this disease, or you're just interested in helping. Take the time to find out everything you can about this disease and look for the chance to share your knowledge with others. Many groups have volunteer positions open during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

You might work to help people with the disease get through their treatment. You might distribute pamphlets or other information about skin cancer. You could even get involved in a walk or run to raise awareness of this disease.

People who've had this disease can spread the word by getting involved in photo projects for survivors. These projects help others understand that anyone can get this disease. They also help people realize that they can do something about it. Skin cancer can be cured, and more people need to know this.

There are all kinds of things that everyday people can do to help people learn about how to prevent skin cancer. All you need to do is take the time to learn which ones are open to you. During this year's Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take some time out to find a volunteer organization, project, or other chance to make a difference. It's not hard, and anyone can do it.

Help spread information about skin cancer. It's the fastest growing form of cancer in this country, but it doesn't have to be. Together, we can help others prevent this disease and get treatment early.

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