How to Talk to Patients About #SkinCancerAwarenessMonth
Summer is around the corner, which means people are getting ready to shed their winter garb and expose their skin to the elements. In the forecast are sunny beaches, tanning beds, and outdoor activity. In preparation for the seasonal changes, May is Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and healthcare advocates are taking to Twitter to remind people to take basic precautions and check their skin. It’s also a great reminder for clinicians to talk to their patients about summer skincare and their risk factors for skin cancer.
Folks are posting some great tips and resources for clinicians to share with their patients.
Clinicians are debunking some common skin cancer myths.
Advocates are emphasizing lower-risk groups who often get overlooked, such as people with darker skin…
…as well as highlighting high risk groups identified in recent studies, including outdoor workers and people who use tanning beds. The latter is fueling a rise in skin cancer among young Caucasian women.
The American Academy of Dermatology is also addressing the unique concerns of children and their parents.
Even pathologists are joining the discussion.
Skin cancer survivors are sharing their personal stories…
…and researchers are sharing the innovations that will save future patients.
Despite being highly preventable and treatable when caught early, skin cancer is the most common of cancers. Melanoma, the deadliest of the bunch, has been called the “disease that gives cancer a bad name.” Be sure to talk to your patients and remind them to get an annual skin check.
Do you have a story about skin cancer? Do you have other tips and resources for colleagues or patients? Let us know in the comments below.
