Melanoma Monday

The American Academy of Dermaology has designated the first Monday of May, Melanoma Monday in hopes of raising awareness of Melanoma and of other forms of skin cancer.  They hope to encourage people to have their annual skin exams, and to save lives.  Did you know that:

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.  Skin cancer is diagnosed more frequently than all other forms of cancer combined!
• Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25- to 29-year-olds.

What can you do?  Get your annual skin exam, if you haven’t already.  Perform your self-exams monthly at home.  Wear orange on Melanoma Monday to help raise awareness.

To help you with your self-exams, Dr. Hayre’s staff will give anyone who stops into her office a free card with the warning signs of Melanoma on it.  Remember, you should always come in if you notice anything new or changing, for it may be a melanoma or a different form of skin cancer such as Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Remember to wear your sun block and a good hat!