Now that we’ve gotten into May, people are going to spend a lot more time outdoors. We need to be aware of the many different kinds of skin cancer, especially during the summer.

When is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

May is officially recognised as Skin Cancer Awareness Month across the UK and worldwide. It’s an important time to talk about the risks of skin cancer, especially heading into the sunnier months when people spend more time outdoors. 

During this month, the goal is to educate and raise awareness about harmful UV exposure and recognising the early signs of skin cancer. With increased awareness, proper sun protection and knowing what to look out for, many cases can be avoided.

Why is Skin Cancer Awareness Important?

Skin cancer awareness is important, as it’s one of the most common types of skin cancer and the numbers are rising. In the UK, there are typically over 17,000 new cases each year and in 2024, that number reached a record high of 20,800. The most concerning part? Around 86% of melanoma cases are preventable.

Having that awareness of the signs, risk factors and preventative measures can save lives and empower people to take proactive steps. This skin cancer awareness month 2025, we stress the importance of checking your body. Early detection plays a major role in successful treatment outcomes.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

The primary cause of most skin cancers is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or sunbeds. The radiation causes damage to the DNA in your skin cells, which over time leads to uncontrollable cell growth and skin cancer. 

While people with paler skin are generally more susceptible to UV-related skin damage, all skin types can be affected. Long-term or repeated exposure from spending extended periods in the sun or using tanning beds increases your risk. Even less obvious sources, such as the blue light from screens, have an impact on skin health over time.

What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

The most common type of skin cancer is called basal cell skin cancer. It can look like a pimple that won’t heal or a sore. It’s usually a little pearly and most commonly found on the face, but it can occur anywhere.

The next most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. It may look like a firm red bump and can spread to other parts of your body.

Another common type of skin cancer is melanoma and its incidence is still on the rise. This type of skin cancer originates in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, giving skin its colour. 

We encourage everyone to do a self-skin exam every month. When you’re checking your skin, look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, which helps identify the potential signs of skin cancer:

  • A is for Asymmetry – one half doesn’t match the other.
  • B is for Border – irregular or blurred edges.
  • C is for Colour – varied shades or unusual colour.
  • D is for Diameter – anything larger than a pencil eraser.
  • E is for Evolving – any change in size, shape, colour or texture.

It’s important that if you notice any skin changes or if it just looks “funny” or different from your other moles, it’s best to get it checked. See your GP or a dermatologist as soon as possible. 

Common Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch For:

  • A new or changing mole
  • A lump on the skin
  • A patch of scaly, crust or rough skin
  • Sores or scabs
  • Changes under the nails or on the palms or soles of the feet

How to Protect Yourself from UV Exposure

In the summer there are many ways to prevent skin cancer from happening. The best and most effective way to protect yourself is to be safe in the sun by:

  • Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Seek shade whenever possible..
  • Use protective gear such as sunhats, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses. 
  • For any exposed skin, use sun protection all year round no matter the weather. 

We’d recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Mineral sunscreens are a great example of this. Look for ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxide. These not only protect against the sun but also from blue light and visible light from screens.

If you are in direct sunlight, it’s best to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming, exercising and excessive sweating. Ensure your sunscreen is in date and is also applied to those easy-to-miss places, which include:

  • Feet
  • Scalp
  • Tops of ears
  • Lips
  • Back of your neck. 

SPF is vital for protection against skin cancer, as people who get sunburnt can increase their risk of melanoma by up to 5 times.

Why You Should Avoid Sunbeds

Using sunbeds increases your risk of melanoma by up to 20%. If you use a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35, you actually increase your risk of melanoma by 60%! The radiation produced by sunbeds is the equivalent of ‘extreme’ tropical sun. This level of radiation is extremely dangerous. 

The visible signs of UV skin damage can often take 20 years to appear. Sun-damaged skin will appear:

  • Coarse
  • Leathery
  • Wrinkled 
  • Heavily pigmented with regular sunbed usage. 

It’s important to note that malignant melanoma is the most common form of cancer for women in their 20s. Childhood tanning and sunburn are some of the leading causes of this type of cancer. 

Don’t increase your risk of developing skin cancer by using sunbeds. The long term risk vs the short term reward are really not worth it!

Check Your Skin Regularly – It Could Save Your Life

There are many things in life which are out of our control. So when we have the opportunity to actively prevent something, this shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

The month of May is a great time for these conversations, as it’s skin cancer awareness month 2025. We recommend regularly checking your skin for any noticeable changes and contacting your GP if something doesn’t seem right. Don’t forget that the easiest way to protect yourself from UV exposure is to pop your SPF on 365 days a year, even if it’s raining or cloudy!

How we can help at MediZen

At MediZen, your skin health is our top priority. As one of the UK’s leading aesthetic and skin clinics with over 25 years of experience in the medical aesthetics industry, we’re proud to support evidence-based treatments. 

Dr David Eccleston, the Clinical Director, has been at the forefront of aesthetic medicine for over two decades. Our clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can be sure our clients receive the highest standard of service.

If you’re looking to treat sun damage, address your skin health or simply learn more about protecting your skin, our expert team is here to guide you. Visit us at our Birmingham-based clinic and contact us today to learn more about our laser resurfacing treatments.