Every May, we recognize Melanoma Awareness Month—a time to shine a spotlight on one of the most serious forms of skin cancer and to encourage proactive steps toward prevention. At Shade Patch, we believe awareness is the first line of defense, and protection should start early—long before the first sunspot appears.
The Reality of Melanoma
Melanoma is not just another skin concern. It's a potentially deadly cancer that can spread quickly if not caught early. While it accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancer cases, it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
Here are a few facts that underscore the urgency:
☀️ According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 100,640 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024.
☀️ 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
☀️ Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.
☀️ Melanoma is the second most common cancer in people aged 15-29.
Why Early Protection Matters
Sun damage is cumulative. The effects of UV exposure—especially UVA and UVB rays—build up over time and may take years to show. By the time we notice sunspots, wrinkles, or changes in moles, significant damage has often already occurred.
That’s why starting skin protection early is essential:
👉🏼 Children’s skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage.
👉🏼 Habits formed in youth, like regular sunscreen use or wearing sun-protective clothing, are more likely to continue into adulthood.
👉🏼 Teaching sun safety from an early age creates a ripple effect—protecting not only the individual but future generations.
While daily sunscreen is important, we know reapplying every two hours isn't always practical, especially on the go. That’s where Shade Patch comes in.
Our innovative patch provides invisible, long-lasting protection for the areas of your skin that need it most—like the back of your hands, nose, or sunspots—so you don’t have to worry about missing a reapplication.
What You Can Do Today
☀️ Check your skin monthly. Look for new moles or changes in size, shape, or color.
☀️ See a dermatologist yearly for a full-body skin exam.
☀️ Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily—even on cloudy days.
☀️ Wear protective clothing and accessories, like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
☀️ Use Shade Patch on those hard-to-cover areas that need consistent protection.
☀️ Let’s make skin protection a priority—not an afterthought.