Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Each May, we observe Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of skin cancer and the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States—but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. This month serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize skin health—not just for ourselves, but for our communities.
The Power of Prevention
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and skin tones. However, with the right precautions and regular skin checks, it’s often possible to detect issues early and intervene before they become serious. Prevention starts with simple, daily habits: using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and seeking shade during peak sun hours. But just as important is vigilance—paying attention to any new or changing spots on your skin.
Many people are surprised to learn how quickly skin cancer can develop. Regular self-exams combined with screenings by a dermatology provider can make a significant difference. Early detection often means simpler treatment, smaller procedures, and a much higher likelihood of a full recovery.
Building a Healthier Community
Throughout the year, but especially during Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, our practice hosts free skin cancer screening events. These initiatives play a vital role in promoting early detection and education—especially among individuals who may not have easy access to dermatologic care. Free screenings help break down barriers, providing a welcoming and judgment-free environment where anyone can receive a professional skin exam and leave with potentially life-saving information.
These events do more than identify risk—they educate. Attendees walk away with a better understanding of what to look for, how to protect their skin, and when to seek follow-up care. In many cases, these events empower people to take the next step and prioritize their health.
The Gold Standard of Care
For individuals diagnosed with certain types of skin cancer—especially those on the face or other sensitive areas—Mohs surgery offers one of the most advanced and effective treatments available. Mohs surgery is a highly specialized procedure that removes skin cancer layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope in real time. This approach ensures that all cancerous cells are removed while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
The benefits of Mohs surgery are significant:
- Highest cure rate for many common skin cancers
- Minimal scarring and tissue loss, making it ideal for visible or delicate areas
- Lowest rate of recurrence
Patients often appreciate not only the effectiveness of the procedure, but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing their cancer has been fully removed.
Slow Mohs
An advanced variation of Mohs surgery, known as Slow Mohs, is particularly beneficial for treating melanoma and melanoma in situ—especially in delicate areas like the face, hands, and feet. Unlike traditional Mohs, Slow Mohs involves a multi-stage approach with special staining techniques. The tissue samples are processed overnight and stained the following morning, allowing for enhanced precision in identifying cancer cells. This method has the highest cure rate due to its specificity in assessing margins.
Typically initiated 2–4 weeks following skin cancer diagnosis, the process involves excising and staining each stage of tissue. If melanoma cells are detected, another stage is taken, and this continues until clear margins are achieved—most patients only require one or two sessions. This approach is especially suited for cases where cancer cells are more difficult to see, ensuring a thorough and effective treatment.
Investing in Your Health
Skin cancer should never be taken lightly. Prevention, awareness, and early detection save lives every day. By embracing community-based efforts like screening events and supporting continued innovation in treatments such as Mohs surgery, we can make a meaningful impact. This Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, commit to your own health and schedule your next skin check.