Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, observed in May and sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, raises awareness about skin cancer and helps people take action to prevent or detect it, both at home and in the community.

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month raises awareness that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma. Skin cancer can almost always be cured when it is found and treated early.