Academy asks public to wear orange in support of skin cancer awareness on Melanoma Monday

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) aims to paint the nation orange this May by asking the public to wear orange in support of skin cancer awareness on Melanoma Monday®, May 6.

The Academy is designating the day as SPOT Orange™ on Melanoma Monday® to heighten awareness of the prevalence of skin cancer and motivate people to detect the early signs of this potentially life-threatening disease. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime and, on average, one person dies from melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - every hour.

"The idea behind SPOT Orange™ is to paint the country orange one day of the year - Melanoma Monday - to show a unified front in fighting skin cancer," said board-certified dermatologist Dirk M. Elston, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "Unlike other types of cancer, skin cancer provides visual warning signs that can be detected on the surface of the skin in the form of a 'spot' that changes, itches, or bleeds. When caught early, skin cancer has a 98 percent cure rate, which is why it is so important for people to know the warning signs and see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis."

SPOT Orange™ on Melanoma Monday® is part of the Academy's SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection, and care of skin cancer.

Wearing orange on Melanoma Monday® and sharing an individual or group picture of friends, family or co-workers sporting orange for skin cancer awareness will help support the Academy's vision of a world without skin cancer. Photos can be shared on social media with the #SPOTorange hashtag and uploaded to SpotSkinCancer.org/SPOTorange for a chance to be featured on the Academy's website or social media pages. The website also contains valuable information, including:

• A downloadable body mole map for tracking changes in your skin
• Free skin cancer screenings in your area
• Free resources to promote SPOT Orange™ on Melanoma Monday® to your family, friends and co-workers
• SPOT products