AAD promotes sunscreen precautions on Melanoma Monday

Today is Melanoma Monday. Accordingly, and as part of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the American Academy of Dermatology is emphasizing the importance of applying sunscreen to the back with a slogan campaign entitled, “Who’s Got Your Back?”

Thirty-seven percent of Americans — more men than women — rarely or never use sunscreen on their backs during sun exposure and 43% rarely or never ask others to apply sunscreen to their backs, according to the results of an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) survey.

Mark Lebwohl

“Before you head outside, it’s important to apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protector factor of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including the back,” Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD, said in a press release from the Academy. “Exposure to ultraviolet rays is the most preventable risk factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, so don’t leave your back unprotected against the sun’s harmful rays.”

The AAD also released a “Who’s Got Your Back?” video to emphasize the importance of sun protection.

More information on the prevention and detection of skin cancer, including instructions on how to perform a skin self-exam, can be found on the Academy website, SpotSkinCancer.org, according to the release. – by Patricia Nale

Reference: www.aad.org.