Skin Cancer Prevention Month 2025

What is Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness Month?

May is skin cancer awareness month which helps to promote the importance of sun safety and encourages early detection of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally and there is a rising concern over the high levels of skin cancer we are facing in the UK. 86% of melanoma cancer cases are preventable.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

90% of skin cancer results from excessive sun exposure.

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCCs) 
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) 
• Melanoma BCCs and SCCs are called non-melanoma skin cancers and are frequently more common than melanoma.

Who is most at risk of skin cancer?

High exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause anyone to get skin cancer. But some people are more likely to develop skin cancer than others.

• Fairer skin types that burn more easily
• Using sunbeds or sunlamps increases your risk of developing skin cancer. High levels of the same harmful UV radiation are found in these devices.
• Moles and/or freckles. Check for moles that change in shape, size or colour. Any sores that do not heal or skin that is red, itchy or bleeding for a long period of time.
• A family history of skin cancer/melanoma
• Outdoor workers
• A history of sunburn

How can I prevent skin cancer?

1: Reduce your sun exposure 

• Make sure your skin isn’t exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
• Wear a sun hat to protect your head and face.
• Wear clothing that should cover the skin as much as possible.
• Protect your shoulders by keeping them covered, they can easily burn.
• Fabrics that have a high UPF provide best protection.

2: Use enough sunscreen

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher if you are outdoors.
• You should apply cream to your skin every 2-3 hours and always straight after swimming. It is important even if it’s a cloudy day.
• Apply a generous amount to the skin.
• Protect your lips with an SPF30+ lip balm.

3: Shade from the sun when possible

• Seek shade whenever possible, particularly during peak UV hours (between 11am and 3pm).
• Keep babies and toddlers in the shade as much as possible.

4: Wear quality sunglasses

• Sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV radiation can preserve your vision.
• Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays, these should be marked with a rating CE UV400 or higher.

The SKCIN App

You can get sun protection advice by downloading the Skcin App. It allows you to get current UV Index and a two day hourly forecast.

• The UV index is a 5 category solar UV forecast
• Sun protection measures should be taken when the UV index reaches 3 or above.
• You can track the skin damage it takes to occur as when the number is at its highest, the stronger the UVR is.

Published: May 2, 2025