Governor Stein Proclaims Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and one of the most common cancers in North Carolina; and 

Whereas, individuals living in North Carolina were diagnosed with melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer – at a rate of 28.5 per 100,000 population from 2019 through 2023 and died from melanoma at a rate of 2.2 per 100,000 population; and 

Whereas, the white population is diagnosed with and dies from melanoma more than all minority populations combined in the state, with white males having a higher incidence and mortality rate from melanoma than white females; and 

Whereas, data show that the non-Hispanic Black population is now more likely to get melanoma, even in sun-protected areas, and to be diagnosed at a later stage; and 

Whereas, skin cancer is also considered one of the most preventable cancers, provided that people take active steps to reduce their risk by applying sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses, seeking shade, avoiding tanning devices and other artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, performing monthly self-examinations, and visiting a health care provider yearly; and 

Whereas, the stratospheric ozone layer protects Earth from dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer has been successful in reducing the emissions of ozone-depleting substances, saving millions of people worldwide from developing skin cancer; and

Whereas, Melanoma Monday is observed on May 4 and National Don’t Fry Day is observed on May 22 to raise awareness of skin cancer and encourage individuals to protect their skin, especially as summer begins, providing an opportunity for everyone to make a lifetime commitment to sun safety; and 

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages people to protect themselves and their families against overexposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds and to promote sun safety awareness and education in their communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as “Skin Cancer Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-eighth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.