May is dedicated to different awarenesses including Skin Cancer Awareness, National Brain Cancer and Brain Tumor Awareness, and Asian American and Pacific Isslander Heritage.
Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Sharing facts about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encouraging people to check their skin for warning signs is important. Stay in the shade, cover skin when in the sun, wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and avoid indoor tanning.
Go Gray in May for National Brain Cancer and Brain Tumor Awareness Month. May is dedicated towards educating the impacts of patient care, education and cancer research is becoming more apparent than ever. An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a primary brain tumor. The five-year relative survival rate for all malignant brain tumor patients is only 35.6%.
Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949. It was commemorated by the Mental Health America organization. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act and includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.​​ This month bringing awareness to mental health is important as putting mental health first is important every month.
May is dedicated to Asian Pacific American Heritage and to the history of Americans that moved here from the Asian continent. 2022’s theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage month is “Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration,” which was chosen by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council. This month is meant for people to start sharing their stories and to speak up. It’s for people to celebrate their culture and heritage.