Melanoma Monday, now in its sixth year, has been designated "National Skin Self-Examination Day" in order to raise awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and encourage Americans to begin a lifelong habit of regular skin self-examinations.

As part of its ongoing commitment to skin cancer prevention and detection, NASA recently launched its first-ever Solar Safe Skin Cancer Reduction Program to limit sun exposure of the NASA workforce. The goal of the five-year program is to reduce the number of new cancers detected during the program’s fifth year to 10 percent to 25 percent of the new cancers detected by the first year of the program. To meet this goal, NASA will combine modern technology, management involvement, increased education and awareness, and intensive medical surveillance throughout the five-year program.

"NASA is constantly looking for ways to improve the health and safety of its employees, and the Solar Safe program is a wonderful example of this commitment," said William Barry, MD, MPH, Manager, NASA Occupational Health Program. "We’re pleased to be partnering with the American Academy of Dermatology on Melanoma Monday to raise awareness of skin cancer detection and prevention."

"We commend NASA for its dedication in fighting skin cancer and establishing the Solar Safe program for its employees," said Richard K. Scher, MD, FACP, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "We’re hoping that by participating in our national Melanoma Monday skin cancer screening, NASA astronauts and employees will serve as role models to the public to practice regular skin self-exams and sun safe behaviors."

Melanoma Monday also marks the beginning of the 16^th annual Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. During May, and throughout the year, nearly 2,000 volunteer dermatologists will be offering free screenings for early skin cancers, including melanoma. These screenings will take place at local hospitals, work places, health fairs and other designated sites. Consumers who want to find a screening in their area can visit the AAD’s web site at www.aad.org beginning the second week of May for a list of dermatologists conducting free skin cancer screenings.

The AAD urges everyone to examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body including your back, your scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes, and the palms of your hands. If there are any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole, the development of a new mole, or any other unusual changes in the skin, see your dermatologist or personal physician immediately.

In addition, the AAD recommends that everyone practice the Academy’s sun protection guidelines, including avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, and wearing sun-protective clothing. And, don’t forget the "Shadow Rule" – if your shadow is shorter than you are, the damaging rays of the sun are at their strongest and you are likely to sunburn.