RELATED: Sunscreen Glossary: A Guide for Decoding Every SPF Term You Need to Know
Melanoma Monday Is May 3
Each year, the first Monday of May is designated Melanoma Monday to raise public awareness about malignant melanoma. Sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, the day promotes early detection, as melanoma is nearly 100 percent curable when found early. Some of these methods include routine dermatologist appointments, as well as awareness surrounding the risk factors for developing melanoma.
Don’t Fry Day Is May 22
Sponsored by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Don’t Fry Day is observed every year on the Friday before Memorial Day to promote sun-safety awareness and encourage people to protect their skin while outdoors.
UV Safety Month Is July
July is designated as Ultraviolet Safety Month, during which the goal is to spread awareness about the importance of protecting skin and eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. Some of the advice promoted includes covering up with a hat and sleeves to prevent overexposure, staying in the shade, and using a proper amount of effective sunscreen. RELATED: 6 Steps for Choosing a Clean and Safe Sunscreen Here is a list of popular walks and runs for cancer in the United States:
Steps Against Melanoma (virtual)DC and Cleveland Miles for Melanoma (virtual)
Steps Against Melanoma (Virtual)
AIM at Melanoma sponsors a series of walks every year called Steps Against Melanoma, which aims to show support for people with skin cancer as well as share stories to spread awareness and promote treatment and early screenings. This year, it will be held virtually across the country, with separate virtual events in various cities. Events include those in Nashville, Tennessee (August 22), Los Angeles (September 13), Houston (September 19), Las Vegas (October 3), and Dallas (October 10). In addition to virtual walks, these events encourage activity on social media to promote awareness and share patients’ stories, as well as offer a variety of ways to contribute financially to fighting skin cancer, melanoma in particular.
DC and Cleveland Miles for Melanoma (Virtual)
The Melanoma Research Foundation is holding several virtual Miles for Melanoma runs this summer to support the fight against melanoma. Between two events in Washington, DC, on July 11 and Cleveland on August 2, the foundation is seeking to raise over $140,000 for research on melanoma prevention and treatment. Upcoming conferences and meetings include:
International Conference on Skin Cancer, Risk Factors, and Prevention17th International UV and Skin Cancer Prevention Conference 2021Melanoma 2021: 31st Annual Cutaneous Malignancy Update
International Conference on Skin Cancer, Risk Factors, and Prevention
The World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology will hold its annual conference on skin cancer November 2 and 3, 2020, in San Francisco. As of June, it is scheduled to take place in-person. The international conference aims to convene research scholars, academic scientists, and researchers to share experiences and results on research for skin cancer treatment and prevention.
17th Annual International Symposium on Melanoma and Other Cutaneous Malignancies
This single-day conference will take place on February 6, 2021, in New York. It will provide updates and information on current and potential treatments for various skin-related cancers, in particular melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The main audience will be medical professionals like dermatologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and researchers.
Melanoma 2021: 31st Annual Cutaneous Malignancy Update
Scripps will host its 31st annual conference on melanoma prevention, early detection, and risk factors on January 23 and 24, 2021, in San Diego. Issues discussed will include genetic factors for melanoma, current and emerging treatment options for people with melanoma, and the personalization of care. RELATED: 7 Sunscreen Mistakes That Hurt Your Skin
Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation educates the public on the dangers and risk factors of melanoma to reduce the growing prevalence of the cancer in the United States and around the world. Its volunteers are involved in various outreach efforts, including patient advocacy and at health events and community fundraisers.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society seeks volunteers across the country in many fields, including community outreach, soliciting donations, and increasing the impact of the organization at large. The time commitment depends on the specific job and the location of the branch, and free training is provided. RELATED: 10 Sun-Care Products That Dermatologists Use
Sharing on Social Media
Social media is an excellent way to raise awareness and encourage solidarity for skin cancer and people affected by it. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, people are encouraged to use the hashtag #ShareTheFacts to highlight the high prevalence of skin cancer, #skincancer to raise awareness, and #DontFryDay, #skinhealth, and #MelanomaAwarenessMonth to further promote education on and awareness of properly caring for one’s skin and preventing skin-related cancer.
Get Political
To affect access to care and the diagnosis of skin cancer, contact your local officials and urge them to support legislation that makes early detection and screenings for skin cancer more widely available. Subsidized healthcare for low- and middle-income people can help get this done, as these policies would make such tests and screenings much more accessible. RELATED: The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreen
