National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Protect your skin during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also highly preventable. Learn about sun safety, recognize warning signs, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.
About National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Protect your skin during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also highly preventable. Learn about sun safety, recognize warning signs, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.
History & origins
National Skin Cancer Awareness Month is listed in this site's 2026 calendar for May 1. Informal "national days" are often promoted by communities, trade groups, and brands; origins and official proclamations vary by country and year. Protect your skin during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also highly preventable. Because many such observances are cultural or promotional rather than statutory, treat dates as a planning guide and confirm local events separately.
Why it matters
Observing National Skin Cancer Awareness Month gives people a shared anchor to explore awareness themes—skin-cancer, cancer, May, awareness, prevention—and to coordinate learning, gatherings, or giving around that focus. Protect your skin during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also highly preventable. Learn about sun safety, recognize warning signs, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.
How to celebrate
Schedule a skin check with a dermatologist. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Avoid tanning beds and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM).
Facts
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer but highly treatable when caught early
- UV radiation from tanning beds is classified as a human carcinogen
- Just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles your risk of melanoma
- Regular use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%
Upcoming dates
- Friday, May 1, 2026
- Saturday, May 1, 2027
- Monday, May 1, 2028
- Tuesday, May 1, 2029
- Wednesday, May 1, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month in 2026?
This edition lists National Skin Cancer Awareness Month on 2026-05-01 (May 1). Many recurring observances keep the same month and day each year.
What is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month?
Protect your skin during National Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also highly preventable. Learn about sun safety, recognize warning signs, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation.
How do people celebrate National Skin Cancer Awareness Month?
Schedule a skin check with a dermatologist. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Avoid tanning beds and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM).
Is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month a federal holiday?
National Skin Cancer Awareness Month is widely treated as an informal observance and is not a U.S. federal public holiday unless a government source explicitly declares one.
What topics relate to National Skin Cancer Awareness Month?
Common themes include: skin-cancer, cancer, May, awareness, prevention. Use tags and related pages on this site to explore similar celebrations.
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