Talk About It: Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to pause and talk about the most common cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. While skin cancer can be extremely serious, the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. That’s why awareness matters.

The Power of Prevention

Skin cancer doesn’t just show up one day. It often develops over years of sun exposure and damage that happened when we were young. A single blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life. That’s a big deal, and it’s why kids and teens need to be constantly reminded about sun protection.

Even if kids hate wearing sunscreen or hats, it’s worth reminding them why these things are essential. You can set an example by practicing sun safety yourself and wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing when you spend time outside. When adults model good habits, our children are more likely to adopt them.

Why We Need to Talk About It

Skin cancer is something many people don’t even think about until it’s too late. It doesn’t always come with warning signs, and it can appear even in unexpected places, such as under your nails, on your scalp, or between your toes. That’s why regular skin checks and ongoing conversations matter.

Too often, we treat sun protection like an afterthought. However, it’s really a lifelong practice, and it begins with raising awareness in children while they are young. Small actions like encouraging your teen to wear a long-sleeved shirt at soccer practice can make a big difference over time.

Clothing Can Help

One simple way to stay sun-safe is to purchase and wear UPF clothing. These clothes are specially designed to block UV rays and provide your skin with an extra layer of defense. If you have a teen who hates the way sunscreen feels on their arms, a UPF long-sleeved shirt is a great alternative.

Crown Cover is an online store that sells UPF clothing for a cause. A portion of all proceeds goes toward skin cancer research.

This May, we encourage you to start the conversation. Talk to your kids, your friends, your parents. You can share tips, pass around the sunscreen, and stay in the shade together. Let’s make skin protection part of the everyday conversation this month and always.