5.02.23 – Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As we head into summer, we can all help by speaking up about skin cancer. Please share the facts to prevent this deadly disease, as it is estimated there will be almost 100,000 new cases this year. The Ultraviolet rays of the sun are the strongest between March and September. UV rays are linked with the development of skin cancer and melanoma.

We can all take preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. The three most important things we can incorporate into our lives are:

• Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen daily with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Be aware that some medication side effects make you more sensitive to the sun, such as specific types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and some types of chemotherapy.
• Get checked by your doctor each year, especially if you see an irregularly shaped mole or strange marking on your skin and/or itching or bleeding.

It is important to mention sunlight produces vitamin D in our bodies, and it is recommended we get 15 minutes of sunlight each day. A 15-minute walk with good clothing and sunscreen for protection should do the trick. The sun is the most intense between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to walk before 10 am or after 4 pm if you can.

Please always remember to take care of your health and be sure to reach out to others by adding this topic to your conversations.

In Solidarity,

Cathy Sharp
APFA National Health Chair

Rhonda “Rio” Curtright
APFA DE&I Co-Chair

[email protected]