MISSOURI – More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are estimated to be diagnosed each year in the United States, making it the most-commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. For Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is shining a light on the fact that nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively, if they are found early.
While about 8 out of 10 new skin cancer cases are basal cell cancers, in Missouri there will be
an estimated 2,070 new cases of melanoma of the skin in 2025.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most common cause of skin cancer and simply staying in the
shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. While sunlight is the main source of
UV rays, artificial sources, such as tanning beds, also expose people to UV radiation. If you are
going to be in the sun, ACS recommends that you seek shade and “Slip! Slop! Slap!® and
Wrap,” a reminder of some key steps that can help protect against UV rays:
- Slip on a shirt. While all clothing provides some UV protection, some clothes are made
specially to help block UV rays. - Slop on sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 30 on exposed areas of skin year-round. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or
after swimming or sweating, even if it’s labeled as “waterproof.” - Slap on a hat. Opting for a hat on a sunny day can help shade your face from the sun. A hat
with a wide brim around your head can also help protect your ears and neck. - Wrap on sunglasses. Sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect the eyes and the skin
around them.
Anyone can get skin cancer. Though people with lighter skin are more likely to get skin cancer,
those who have darker skin are also at risk of developing the disease. The best way to catch
skin cancer early is to get into the routine of checking your skin for changes – look for a new
growth or spot, or a change in the size, shape or color of a mole.
ACS recommends testing your sun safety IQ by visiting their website to take the Sun Safety
Quiz. In addition, our new comprehensive cancer risk assessment tool, CancerRisk360, can
offer a better understanding of several factors that may increase your risk of developing skin
cancer.
Additional ACS Resources:
- ACS CancerRisk 360
- Be Safe in the Sun
- Melanoma Skin Cancer
- Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
- ACS Annual Report: Cancer Mortality Continues to Drop Despite Rising Incidence in
Women; Rates of New Diagnoses Under 65 Higher in Women Than Men - ACS Patient Programs and Services
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end
cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives
of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through
advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an
opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call
our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.