It’s coming to the end of May, which is the end of skin cancer awareness month, and a good reminder of the real harms that can arise from overexposure to the sun. As you may know, 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the US. In fact, by the age of 70, one in 5 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer. A recent report in JAMA Dermatology described a significant increase in the skin cancer burden in older adults across the globe in the last three decades, driven by a growing older population, with a significant increase especially seen in men. As we already know, older patients make up nearly ¾ of newly diagnosed skin cancer cases, and this research shows that men carry roughly double the burden of women when it comes to such diagnoses. Why is that? It could be because men may use less sun protection than women, or may have greater sun exposure from either their work environments or recreational activities. We also know that older adults are likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage of their skin cancers, which makes it more complicated to treat, though if caught early, survival rates for skin cancer, including melanoma, are excellent. The challenge is to find and treat skin cancers while they are still small and contained. Because skin cancer is visible, it is possible with regular inspection to catch the disease early. For some photos to help you recognize the early stages of skin cancer, take out your magnifying glass and look here.

While skin cancer can be visible, it can also arise in unexpected places that have not been exposed to constant and direct sunlight. For example, in addition to UV rays from the sun or such devices as tanning beds, there can be inherited or acquired genetic mutations and weakened immunity that can cause skin cancer to erupt in such places as your genitals, inside your eye, or under your toenails or feet. More usual spots may include places that are directly hit by UV rays, but may be forgotten in the process of applying sunblock, including your neck, ears, and hands. It’s been suggested that you apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 at least daily, and also minimize sun damage with such protective clothing as long sleeves and long pants, broad-brimmed hats covering your ears, and UV-blocking sunglasses. For some clever, newer protective clothing items to consider, cover up your face, and click here.

While the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has researchers excited about the possibility of using AI to help screen and identify skin cancers in their early stages, the technology is not quite there yet, at least not commercially available to regular consumers, so don’t fall for gimmicks or sales pressures that suggest they are using AI to help you identify skin cancer on your own. Instead, in addition to the proactive clothing mentioned above, regular skin cancer inspections, and careful strategies to avoid the sun, especially when it’s at its peak from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, your best bet to protect yourself is through effective and ongoing sunscreen protection. CNN recently reported that only ¼ of sunscreens commercially available are safe and effective for blocking out harmful UV rays. That reporting was based upon new analysis from the Environmental Working Group, which recently issued its own report on the top 25 sunscreens of 2025. So open up your beach bag, push aside your towel, and make space for the recommended products here.