May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Why It Matters
Skin Cancer Awareness Month, observed every May, is a crucial time to focus on protecting your skin and understanding the risks of skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the UK and worldwide. At Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore, our private GPs are committed to raising awareness, supporting early detection, and providing timely assessments and referrals for skin concerns.
We proudly serve communities in Harrow, Edgware, Pinner, Hatch End, Wembley, Kingsbury, Bushey, Northwood, and Watford, offering personalised, preventative care in a convenient and compassionate setting.
What is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an annual global initiative dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the risks, signs, and prevention of skin cancer. It’s also a reminder of the importance of early detection, which can significantly improve outcomes — especially for aggressive forms like melanoma.
Throughout May, health organisations and clinics worldwide host free screenings, share resources, and promote simple yet life-saving habits to reduce UV exposure and skin cancer risk.
When is Skin Cancer Awareness Month Observed?
Skin Cancer Awareness Month takes place each year in May — just ahead of summer, when ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at its strongest in the UK. This timing allows individuals to prepare for the sunniest months and make sun protection a daily habit.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re in Stanmore, Wembley, or Northwood, here’s how you can participate and protect your skin:
☀️ Wear Sunscreen Daily
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it even on cloudy days or during winter. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside. Learn more from Cancer Research UK.
👩⚕️ Book a Skin Check with a Private GP
Our GPs can assess skin concerns, moles, or lesions and refer you for urgent dermatology review if needed. Book a same-day appointment at our Stanmore clinic.
🧠 Learn the ABCDEs of Melanoma
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Asymmetry
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Border irregularity
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Colour variation
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Diameter over 6mm
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Evolving size, shape, or colour
Read more at the British Association of Dermatologists.
🚫 Avoid Tanning Beds
Artificial UV light from sunbeds increases your risk of skin cancer. Educate others on the dangers and embrace your natural skin tone.
👕 Wear Protective Clothing
When outdoors, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves. Seek shade between 11am–3pm when UV rays are strongest.
Why Skin Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Skin cancer rates in the UK have been rising steadily, with melanoma now the 5th most common cancer. According to the NHS, early detection significantly improves survival rates — with a 10-year survival rate of 90% for early-stage melanoma.
That’s why awareness, prevention, and regular skin checks are key.
How Niva Medical Clinic Can Help
At Niva Medical Clinic in Stanmore, our private GPs provide:
✅ Same-day face-to-face appointments
✅ Time-rich consultations to assess new or changing moles
✅ Urgent referrals to dermatology or plastic surgery when needed
✅ Long-term skin care advice and preventive health support
✅ Convenient care for patients in Pinner, Harrow, Wembley, Bushey, and nearby towns
We offer a family-doctor approach, meaning we take the time to get to know our patients, monitor ongoing concerns, and support long-term wellbeing.
Book Your Private GP Appointment Today
If you notice any suspicious skin changes or want expert advice on protecting your skin, don’t wait. Our trusted GPs are here to help you act early and stay protected.
📍 Visit our clinic in Stanmore, easily accessible from Harrow, Pinner, Edgware, Wembley, Kingsbury, Hatch End, and Northwood.
📞 Call 020 8865 1938 or book online now.
