Melanoma Awareness Month: The Importance of Skin Cancer Prevention

Posted on: May 10th, 2025 by Our Team

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, an annual observance at Apex Skin Center and throughout the medical community that brings attention to the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection. Board-certified dermatologist and board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Thomas Knackstedt diagnoses and treats melanoma frequently at Apex Skin Center. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is caused by damage to the skin cells, usually from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

Despite the known risks, skin cancer is still one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, with over 9,000 deaths from melanoma each year. The good news is that melanoma can be prevented and treated when caught early.

Here are some ways to reduce your risk of developing melanoma:

• Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors, wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants.
• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
• Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds expose your skin to high levels of UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
• Check your skin regularly: Perform regular self-exams and have a dermatologist examine your skin at least once a year. Be on the lookout for new moles or changes in the appearance of existing moles, such as irregular borders, asymmetry, and multiple colors.
• Practice safe sun exposure: Seek shade and avoid being outside during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, typically from 10 am to 4 pm.

Melanoma Awareness Month is a crucial time for our team at Apex Skin Center raise awareness about the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection! By following these guidelines and regularly checking your skin, you can reduce your risk of developing melanoma and improve your overall skin.