May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about the most common type of cancer that affects over 5.4 million people annually in the U.S. alone. The National Council on Skin Cancer has declared that Friday, May 26th, will be known as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage others to spread information on sun safety.

The goal of Don’t Fry Day is to get others to understand that prolonged periods of sun exposure, not wearing sunscreen, and not wearing the appropriate protective clothing can have major detrimental effects on their skin. A majority of skin cancer are caused by exposure to UV radiation; helping others understand this will help to create a healthier and more knowledgeable society.

Remember, applying sunscreen is not enough to keep your skin protected. Preserve your health and help others by spreading awareness. If you are in need of care for your skin cancer, contact the Dermatology Institute for Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation.