Melanoma May in the UK is highly relevant because melanoma rates have been steadily rising, especially among younger people and fair-skinned individuals. The month is used by UK-based charities like Melanoma UK, Skcin, and Cancer Research UK to raise national awareness of this deadly but often preventable disease.
Why Melanoma May Matters in the UK:
Rising Rates:
Melanoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK. Over 16,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
Many people still underestimate the UK sun or overseas sun exposure on holidays. Melanoma May highlights the dangers of UV radiation — even on cloudy days.
Prevention Education:
Campaigns promote sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding sunbeds, which are still legal in the UK despite being a known cause of melanoma.
Early Detection:
Emphasises skin checks, knowing the ABCDE signs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving), and seeing a GP promptly.
Patient Support and Advocacy:
Survivors and advocates share real stories to reduce stigma, encourage hope, and push for better treatment access.
Policy and Research Support:
Groups push for more funding for research, better early diagnosis, and national sun safety education in schools.
Activities
In the UK, Melanoma May is a significant campaign aimed at raising awareness about melanoma and other skin cancers. Led by organizations such as Melanoma UK, Melanoma Focus, and Skcin, the initiative focuses on prevention, early detection, and support for those affected.
Key Activities and Campaigns in the UK
🏃♀️ 100 Miles in May Challenge
This annual event encourages participants to walk, run, or cycle 100 miles throughout May. Funds raised are equally shared between Melanoma Focus and Skcin, supporting their work in melanoma research and education. Participants can complete the challenge individually or in groups, with a suggested fundraising target of £100 per person.
📢 Awareness Campaigns and Educational Resources
Melanoma UK is sharing real-life stories and information about prevention, detection, and risk factors throughout May. They encourage individuals to commit to regular skin self-examinations and to promote public awareness of skin cancer risks.
Melanoma Focus has launched a campaign featuring posters and digital screens in UK service stations starting from Monday, 5th May 2025. These materials aim to spread the word about prevention and early detection. They also provide a toolkit with social media posts and awareness posters in English and Welsh for public sharing.
🌞 Sun Safety Education
Organisations emphasize the importance of sun protection, advising the use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunbeds. They highlight that sun damage can occur even on cloudy days and stress the need for regular skin checks.
It’s important that we all stay as vigilant as possible so that we can be as safe as we can whilst enjoying the benefits of the sun.
But “Caveat Emptor” !
