May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Canada: What You Need to Know in 2025

Each year, May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Canada—a vital time dedicated to spreading awareness about the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the country. With melanoma rates continuing to rise, 2025 has brought a renewed energy to national campaigns, local initiatives, and public education. For clinics like The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), this month is more than a date on the calendar—it's a mission.

In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Canada: the key events, campaigns, community efforts, latest research, and how you can actively protect your skin and health.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Month Matters

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Canada, affecting thousands of lives every year. In 2024 alone, over 11,300 Canadians were diagnosed with melanoma, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year. With many of these cases directly linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, the call for prevention and education has never been more urgent.

What makes skin cancer particularly concerning is its preventability. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 65% of melanoma cases are caused by UV radiation, much of which is avoidable through proper sun protection and regular skin checks.

This is where Skin Cancer Awareness Month steps in—not just to inform, but to encourage proactive habits that can save lives.

Key Initiatives and Events in Canada This May

1. Melanoma Canada’s Campaigns

Melanoma Canada is leading the charge this year with a lineup of impactful programs:

• Melanoma Monday (May 5): A day to honor those affected and to kick off the awareness month with stories, statistics, and support.
• Lunch & Learn (May 5): Educational webinars focusing on melanoma prevention, screening, and treatment options.
• Early Detection Webinar (May 28): Featuring Canadian dermatologists and patient testimonials to highlight the importance of catching melanoma early.
• Strides for Melanoma (May 25): A virtual walk/run encouraging Canadians to get active safely while raising funds and awareness. Participants are advised to run outside peak UV hours.
• Mole Mobile Screenings: A mobile unit offering free screenings across Alberta and Ontario, providing crucial early detection opportunities.

2. Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA)

The CDA is recognizing May as Sun Awareness Month, promoting vital sun protection messages and the importance of early diagnosis:

• Check Your Skin Day (May 4): Canadians are encouraged to conduct head-to-toe skin self-exams to identify suspicious spots early.
• Social Media Education: Throughout the month, CDA shares sun protection tips, mole-checking guides, and dermatologist-approved insights to help Canadians stay informed.

3. Canadian Cancer Society: SunSense for Daycares

Targeting long-term change, the SunSense program is expanding to daycares. By instilling good sun safety habits in children early on, the CCS hopes to shape a sun-smart generation.

Awareness Campaigns Going Viral

Across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, a few key hashtags are gaining traction:

• #SkinCancerIsPersonal
• #SkinCancerIsSerious
• #SkinCheckChallenge

These campaigns aim to personalize the risks of skin cancer, urging people to check their skin, share their stories, and remove the stigma around diagnosis.

Additionally, the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Big See® Campaign reminds Canadians that skin cancer is one of the few cancers you can actually see. If you notice something new, changing, or unusual—get it checked.

Research, Statistics, and What They Mean

Canada continues to see a rise in both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. According to recent reports:

• Skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country.
• Melanoma diagnoses rose by 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• UV exposure accounts for over 60% of all skin cancer cases.
• Men over 50 and women under 40 are seeing the highest incidence rates.

These numbers underline the importance of early detection. When caught early, skin cancer has a 99% survival rate. But if left unchecked, it can spread quickly and become much more difficult to treat.

How Communities Are Getting Involved

Local engagement plays a huge role in awareness. This year, cities across Canada are lighting up major landmarks in red and black—the official colors of Melanoma Canada—to honor those impacted.

Cities are also issuing proclamations recognizing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, helping ensure the message reaches city halls, school boards, and public health units.

How You Can Protect Yourself and Get Involved

Here’s how you can take meaningful steps this May:

✅ 1. Perform Regular Skin Checks

Stand in front of a mirror and inspect your entire body. Look for moles or spots that are:

• Asymmetrical
• Have irregular borders
• Display multiple colors
• Have a diameter larger than 6mm
• Evolving in shape or size

If you notice any of the above, consult a dermatologist or minor surgery center like TMSC right away.

✅ 2. Practice Smart Sun Safety

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ daily
• Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses
• Seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm (peak UV hours)
• Avoid tanning beds entirely

✅ 3. Book a Professional Screening

Clinics like The Minor Surgery Center offer mole checks and skin evaluations. These services are quick, non-invasive, and could be life-saving.

✅ 4. Educate Others

Share campaign posts on social media, talk to friends and family, and support organizations working to fight skin cancer.

How TMSC Supports Skin Health

At The Minor Surgery Center, we’re passionate about early detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment. Here’s what we offer to support your skin health:

• Mole Checks: Our specialists examine suspicious spots using dermatoscopic imaging.
• Biopsies and Removals: If needed, we perform minor surgical procedures—often same-day—to ensure timely care.
• Patient Education: We guide you through understanding your skin condition, sun safety practices, and when to follow up.
• No Referral Needed: You can book directly with us—no long wait times or hoops to jump through.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Take Your Skin Seriously

Skin cancer may be the most common cancer in Canada, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Awareness is powerful—but action is even more so. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, make the choice to be proactive. Protect your skin, check for signs, educate your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to seek medical guidance.

If you or someone you know has concerns about skin health, The Minor Surgery Center is here to help. With over 10,000 procedures completed and 500+ five-star reviews, we’re a trusted destination for minor skin surgeries in Toronto.

📅 Ready to Book a Skin Check?

Call us today at 647-614-1611 or email info@torontominorsurgery.com to schedule your consultation. Your skin will thank you.

Stay safe, stay sun-smart, and let’s make this May count.

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