May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

As we recognize Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, it is an important reminder that early detection, prevention, and access to care can save lives.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Daily use of sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by up to 50 percent.

In underserved communities, improving awareness and access to dermatologic care is especially important. Although individuals with skin of color are generally at lower overall risk for skin cancer compared to lighter skin types, diagnoses may be delayed and present at more advanced stages due to lower awareness of early warning signs.

“Skin cancer often presents at later stages in underserved communities, as many patients may not recognize early warning signs,” says Dr. Caroline Halverstam, Chief of Dermatology, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. “Improving awareness, education, and screening is essential because when skin cancer is detected early, outcomes are significantly better.

As a dermatologist serving patients across New York City’s public hospital system, our role extends beyond treatment to empowering patients to recognize concerning changes and seek timely care.

I encourage patients to seek evaluation for any new or changing growths, with particular attention to lesions on the hands and feet, where skin cancer may more commonly present in patients with darker skin types.

Working for Physician Affiliate Group of New York within NYC Health + Hospitals has allowed me to make a meaningful impact every day by caring for patients who need it most, expanding access to care, and improving outcomes through early diagnosis. It is deeply rewarding work that makes a real difference for the patients we serve.”

Caroline Halverstam, MD, FAAD

Chief of Dermatology, Jacobi Medical Center

Associate Professor and Associate Program Director

Division of Dermatology

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

For dermatologists who are driven to serve communities where their expertise matters most, PAGNY offers the opportunity to combine clinical excellence with mission-driven care.