Date
Tuesday
May

May 6

Melanoma Monday

Today is Melanoma Monday - take the time to check yourself and your loved ones for any suspicious moles or skin changes!

Yearly Date
First Monday in May
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

It's time to join the fight against skin cancer and show your support for Melanoma Monday on the first Monday of May! This day was created to raise awareness about melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. It's estimated that over 76,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year and it can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or gender. So this day is all about educating people about prevention and early detection, as well as providing resources for those who have been affected by the disease. Let's stand together and make a difference!

Melanoma Monday Timeline

1906
Melanoma Officially Classified
Melanoma was officially classified as a distinct type of skin cancer by Dr. William Sampson Handley.
1985
Melanoma Research Foundation Established
The Melanoma Research Foundation was established to support medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.
1994
First Melanoma Monday
The American Academy of Dermatology designated the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday to raise awareness of melanoma and encourage early detection through self-exams.
2002
“Watch Your Back!" Campaign
British charity Skcin launches the “Watch Your Back” campaign, urging people, particularly gardeners and outdoor workers, to check their skin regularly.
2011
FDA Approves New Melanoma Drug
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug, Yervoy, to treat melanoma, marking a significant advancement in melanoma treatment.
2020
Virtual Melanoma Monday
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Melanoma Monday events, including educational talks and free skin cancer screenings, were held virtually for the first time.

How to Celebrate Melanoma Monday

1

Check your skin

Checking your skin regularly for any changes or spots is the best way to detect skin cancer. Make sure you check all areas of your body, including hard to see places like your back, scalp, and feet.

2

Wear sunscreen

Whenever you go outside, make sure to put on sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply often and choose a brand with UVA and UVB protection.

3

Examine moles

If you have any moles that are irregular in shape, size, or color, make sure to get them checked out by a dermatologist. Melanoma can present itself as a mole that is changing in size, shape, or color.

4

Visit a dermatologist

Make an appointment to visit a dermatologist for a professional skin cancer screening. This is especially important if you have a family history of skin cancer.

5

Spread awareness

Share information about melanoma on social media or start a conversation with your friends and family about skin cancer prevention and early detection.

Why Melanoma Monday is Important

A

Melanoma Monday raises awareness about skin cancer risks

Every year on Melanoma Monday, people across the world take time to remember those who have been affected by melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. This day serves as an important reminder that we all need to protect ourselves against the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

B

It encourages early detection of skin cancers

By participating in Melanoma Monday events, people are reminded to conduct regular self-examinations to check for any suspicious moles or patches of skin that could be potential signs of skin cancer. Many times, catching skin cancers at an early stage can greatly increase the odds of a successful recovery and remission.

C

It supports research & treatments for advanced stages of skin cancer

Many of the resources raised on Melanoma Monday go towards researching more effective treatments for advanced stages of skin cancer. By helping to fund these advancements, we're one step closer to finding a cure and helping more people survive this terrible disease.

Melanoma Monday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
May 5
Sunday
2025
May 4
Sunday
2026
May 3
Sunday
2027
May 2
Sunday