fbpx

Get ready for an exciting announcement for the melanoma community

  • Days
  • Hours
  • Minutes

News & Press

The Melanoma Research Foundation and the National Council for Skin Cancer Prevention Partner to Remind Americans to Enjoy the Sun Safely this Summer 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC – May 26, 2023 – To encourage everyone to take small steps for sun safety, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) has partnered with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and its broad coalition of member organizations to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day”. This campaign stresses the importance of sun safety awareness and reminds everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year – more than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.1 

“Don’t Fry Day is the perfect opportunity to remind all about the importance of sun safety and implementing critical measures such as daily use of a 30+ SPF sunscreen, wearing UPF+ protective clothing and regular skin check exams to prevent cutaneous melanoma,” says MRF CEO Kyleigh LiPira. “We are proud to be a core member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and partner with other esteemed coalition members to get this life-saving message front and center.” 

Skin cancer is highly preventable. Over 90% of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices. Americans can dramatically reduce their risk of skin cancer by: 

  • Avoiding sunburns and tanning – no tan is a safe tan, 
  • Generously applying sunscreen (and remembering to reapply every two hours), 
  • Wearing sun-protective clothing, 
  • Seeking shade during peak times of the day (typically 10am-2pm), and 
  • Using extra caution near water, snow and sand. 

About Don’t Fry Day 

“Don’t Fry Day,” is a public awareness campaign that aims to reduce the number of new skin cancer diagnoses by promoting sun safety and encouraging people to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Learn more at https://www.skincancerprevention.org/dfd 

National Council members represent the nation’s premiere physicians, researchers, clinicians and advocates for skin cancer prevention. Learn more at www.SkinCancerPrevention.org 

About the Melanoma Research Foundation  

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.   

Media Contact 

James Merrick, MPA 

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer 

[email protected]