May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - This month marks National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the National Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

"If you look at it, overall about 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer," said Radiation Oncologist Dr. Tushar Kumar of South Coast Health System . "Really, among all the cancers it's the most common type of cancer."

According to Dr. Kumar, the myth that the disease doesn't affect darker-skinned people is actually a myth, anybody can develop skin cancer.

• Related: Cancer & the darker side of tanning
• Prevent: Reduce Your Risk
• Detect: Signs of Skin Cancer

Getting screened can be very important, especially for those with lighter skin, though basic protection is extremely important in preventing skin cancer.

"We all know what our moms have said. You know, sun shades, putting sun screen on," added Dr. Kumar.

South Coast Health System will be holding a free cancer screening on May 31, for more information check out their website at southcoast.org .