Did you know that famous individuals like Bob Marley, Hugh Jackman, and Khloe Kardashian all battled skin cancer? May is not just the season of sunshine and spring fever, but also a month dedicated to raising awareness about skin cancer. Melanoma is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors, with non-melanoma (white) and malignant melanoma (black) skin cancer being the two main types.

Early detection of malignant skin tumors is crucial, and it can be done through regular check-ups. Detecting a skin change early on can make treatment easier and more effective. Thus, early diagnosis and therapy are critical in the fight against skin cancer. Despite the widespread knowledge about the risks of too much sun exposure, tanned skin is still associated with beauty.

The good news is that skin cancer is the only type of cancer that can be prevented. However, many people are unaware of the necessary precautions. To protect your skin, use sunscreen even on cloudy days, wear sunglasses, a hat, or a cap, and avoid the midday sun. It’s also essential to apply sunscreen even in the shade.

Children and young people, in particular, need extra protection from sun exposure since sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of melanoma later in life. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid sunburn at all costs. Skin cancer is a critical issue that affects us all, and it should be a year-round concern rather than just a focus in May. Don’t forget to schedule your annual skin check with a dermatologist and use our free tool to set a reminder.

Lastly, our free browser game is an excellent resource for learning the ABCDE method, a technique used to detect suspicious moles. The game is available in English, German, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Hebrew.

This guest blog has been written by dermatologist Dr.med.univ. Amanda Zbyszewski in support of Spot the Dot. More info: www.dermaz.at