Melanoma Monday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Melanoma Monday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Melanoma Monday is celebrated on May 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Melanoma Monday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about Melanoma Monday.

📅 What day is Melanoma Monday 2024?

In 2024, Melanoma Monday is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all intriguing details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Melanoma Monday is a day designated by the American Academy of Dermatology to spread awareness about melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. It takes place on the first Monday of May each year, which this year is May 1st. The purpose of this day is to educate people about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of melanoma. Wearing black clothing has become a symbol for this day. Melanoma affects one in every fifty Americans during their lifetime, making it crucial to understand how to reduce the risk of developing this disease. Take the opportunity today to learn about different methods to protect yourself from melanoma.

📜 Melanoma Monday History

The understanding of melanoma was limited until the 18th century when Dr. John Hunter performed the first successful excision of a metastatic melanoma. However, he was unaware of the significance of his procedure and referred to the melanoma as a “cancerous fungous excrescence.” It wasn’t until 1968 that the tumor was identified as melanoma.

In the early 1800s, there were significant advancements in the medical knowledge of melanoma. Dr. René Laennec first recognized melanoma and introduced the term “melanose” in 1804. However, by 1826, Thomas Fawdington admitted that the medical community still had limited understanding of the origins of melanoma. In 1838, Sir Robert Carswell coined the term “melanoma.”

By 1844, melanoma was still considered incurable. Samuel Cooper emphasized the importance of early excision as the only chance for those affected by melanoma. However, there were some experimental treatments being explored. In 1892, Herbert Snow suggested the removal of not only the tumor but also the surrounding gland. In 1905, William Handley’s innovative therapy led surgeons to remove all subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes surrounding the melanoma, a technique that remained in use for five decades.

In 1956, Henry Lancaster’s discovery revealed that UV radiation and sunlight exposure were the cause of melanoma. Scientists now understand that various genetic factors, such as fair skin, family history, and eye color, can increase the risk of melanoma. Despite the basic understanding of prevention, detection, and treatment of melanoma, ongoing research is still being conducted on the disease.

✅ Melanoma Monday Facts

🔖 Melanoma strikes young
Melanoma, a type of cancer, typically affects individuals at a younger age compared to other forms of cancer. The average age at which people are diagnosed with melanoma is around 50, whereas for other types of cancer, the average age of diagnosis is usually between 65 and 70.

🔖 There are many risk factors
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease include having red hair, having over 50 moles on the body, having a family history of melanoma, experiencing sunburns during childhood, and using tanning beds.

🔖 Melanoma spreads quickly
Melanoma has the ability to spread rapidly and at an earlier stage compared to numerous other cancer types.

👍 Why Is Melanoma Monday Important

Because the average age of a melanoma patient is younger than that of other malignancies, many people who are at risk aren’t thinking about cancer yet. Melanoma Monday is a critical step in increasing awareness and avoiding a painful and life-changing diagnosis.

Melanoma Monday promotes awareness about a condition that millions have battled, in addition to urging individuals at risk to obtain a skin test. It draws attention to their plight; wearing a skin cancer bracelet or an all-black dress makes them feel recognized.

You may be aware of melanoma but have no idea how to avoid or treat it. Knowing how to enjoy time in the sun safely and where to go for a screening or treatment is critical to reducing the disease’s impact in the community and preventing your own diagnosis.

🙂 How To Observe Melanoma Monday

⚡ Post #MelanomaMonday on social media

⚡ Wear black
Melanoma Monday was initiated by the American Academy of Dermatology to promote awareness about melanoma, and the color black has become symbolic of this campaign. Join in by wearing your finest black attire to show your support and help increase awareness about this serious skin cancer.

⚡ Learn about melanoma prevention and diagnosis
Because the purpose of the day is to raise melanoma awareness, what better way to reach people than through social media? Spreading preventative and diagnostic information might save someone in your social circle’s life.

📅 When is Melanoma Monday?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Melanoma Monday. So be sure to check back soon.