Published on May 10, 2017
Updated on February 2, 2018
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Lisa Berry
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Phone: (703) 519-2107
Email: lisa.berry@preventcancer.org
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention encourages everyone to protect your skin today and every day
The National Council declares the Friday before Memorial Day, May 26, 2017 is “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness
May 10, 2017—To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention—along with the Prevent Cancer Foundation and partnering organizations—has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness. As warm weather approaches and millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors, the risk for UV damage of the skin increases.
No single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, so we recommend following as many of the below tips as possible:
Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be nearly 74,000 new cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than two million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in the U.S.
Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.
Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, plenty of moles or freckles, or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer as well. To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, protection from intense UV radiation should be a lifelong practice for everyone.
For more information on skin cancer prevention and early detection, visit www.preventcancer.org/skincancer
The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is a member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the united voice to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality through awareness, prevention, early detection, research and advocacy.
