Monday, May 6th ~ Melanoma Monday

The first Monday in May, May 6th, has been designated  Melanoma Monday to raise awareness for skin cancer.  Actually, all of May is Melanoma Awareness MONTH.  Here is a blurb from the American Academy of Dermatology:

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http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/what-we-do/melanoma-monday

“The American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday® to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Join the Academy in painting the nation orange on Melanoma Monday®, Monday, May 6, 2013.

The American Academy of Dermatology is coordinating this national effort to raise awareness of skin cancer.

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
• Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25- to 29-year-olds."

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This is a little weird and created a buzz among people with Melanoma because of the fact that the color of our cancer "ribbon" is BLACK.  Kind of depressing, but totally fitting given the creepiness factor.  Apparently the reason why the AAD chose orange was because it's bright, demands attention and their hope is to encompass all types of skin cancer.  Wear some black, wear some orange - hell, wear BOTH Black & Orange like I'll be doing.  Show some support this coming Monday for people you know with skin cancer.  And don't forget your skin's favorite accessory ~ sunblock :)