Summer is just around the corner, and here in Berlin, we can feel it in the air! The days are getting longer, trees and flowers are beginning to bloom, and birds are singing—very early in the morning, I must say!
Summer also gives us the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, whether at the beach, in the mountains, or exploring Europe’s wonderful cities.
In addition to May 1st being a public holiday for many around the world, it also marks the beginning of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by the Skin Cancer Foundation in the United States. As many of us know, skin cancer is the most common cancer globally—yet it’s also one of the most preventable. Despite this, around 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., with approximately 700,000 new cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) diagnosed annually in Europe.
Coincidentally, I had my first official skin cancer screening last week with a dermatologist here in Germany. While I’ve been keeping up with other cancer screenings, something always seemed to take priority over getting my skin checked. After the recent passing of a friend due to metastatic melanoma—and recalling the loss of my uncle to the same disease over a decade ago—I knew it was time to act.
As a teenager, I spent summers baking at the New Jersey shore or at the local pool, chasing that golden summer glow—often with the help of tanning oils that had zero SPF. If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve chosen a better sunscreen to reduce my risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Thankfully, research and public awareness have advanced significantly since those days. Today, early detection and daily sunscreen use are recognized as critical tools in reducing risk. Encouragingly, if melanoma is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99%. If only my friend and uncle had been able to detect theirs in time—perhaps they’d still be with us.
Let’s continue to spread awareness about skin cancer prevention and the importance of regular skin checks. Together, we can make a difference.
www.statista.com/topics/11101/skin-cancer-in-europe/#topicOverview
www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/toolkit
Reference: The Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org
