Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, accounting for roughly half of all cancer cases. Read on to learn about risk factors, signs, symptoms, and more.

I remember every little detail of that cool and crisp October morning—what I was eating, what I was wearing when my mom broke the news. She had gone in for a routine check-up and the doctor noticed something on her face. She had gone to a specialist a week after her doctor’s appointment without telling anyone—even my father—and my mom was told she had skin cancer.

With the month of May coming to an end, it means for many of us a lot more outdoor time in the months ahead, and doing what we can to stay healthy and safe. And for good reason, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer affects many Americans. In 2014, there were more than 76,000 new melanoma diagnoses in the U.S. alone, and melanoma accounts for less than 2% of new skin cancer diagnoses each year. The Cancer Support Community (CSC) provides a number of resources and support services for those affected by skin cancer.