Two years ago, a dancing seagull made it into Australia's film-and-audio "Hall of Fame"...
Sid was a dancing cartoon seagull that earned a spot in the country's National Film and Sound Archive of culturally significant media for his message to Australians (especially children) to protect themselves from skin cancer.
In the early 1980s, Sid appeared in TV commercials where he would dance and sing the "Slip! Slop! Slap!" song. The catchy song encouraged Aussies to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat.
Since then, similar mottos have been used in New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K. One modified version was "Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide," where the last two additions were to "seek shade" and "slide on sunglasses."
While we Americans didn't have a fun mascot, we do have at least "Don't Fry Day" to look forward to. It's the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention's sun-safety-awareness day, which falls on the Friday before Memorial Day.
So today – and in honor of Don't Fry Day and Skin Cancer Awareness Month – I'll be talking about this incredibly common cancer, along with a different kind of easy-to-remember skin-safety tip... And I'll also share my preferred method of sun protection.
The Skin-Cancer Trio
Basal-cell skin cancer (the most common), melanoma, and squamous-cell skin cancer make up the three main types of skin cancer.
Basal-cell skin cancer is the most common kind of the three, occurring in the deep layer of your epidermis. This slow-growing cancer tends to appear on the face and other areas that have regular sun exposure.
Squamous-cell skin cancer begins in the upper epidermal layer. It's the second-most common type of skin cancer. Like the basal-cell variety, squamous-cell skin cancer usually appears in sun-exposed areas. Some types of squamous-cell cancer show up in mucus-membrane areas like the inside of your nose and mouth.
Melanoma is the most dangerous of the gang. Left untreated, it spreads to your vital organs – fast. It's also very sneaky, turning up anywhere on the skin's surface and even in areas like under your nails.
Who's at Risk?
You have a higher risk if you...
- Have light-colored skin, hair, and/or eyes...
- Burn or freckle easily under the sun
- Have a family history of skin cancer
- Have a personal history of tanning or getting lots of sunburns
- Are older (age 40 and up)
In fact, one in every five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer each year.
The good news is that most skin cancers aren't that dangerous, especially when caught early. And that means vigilance on your part.
Get Naked to Save Your Life
Get naked with your loved one and examine each other, especially in places like on the back, on and between the buttocks, and on your scalp.
If you're flying solo, don't sweat it: All you need is a bright light, a large mirror, and a smaller, handheld mirror to check out those hard-to-see areas. And don't forget to check everywhere. That includes your nailbeds and even your palms and soles.
Keep an eye on the "ABCDE" warning signs to determine whether a doctor should look at an abnormal skin mark.
A = Asymmetrical
B = Border is uneven
C = Color changes, or it's more than one color
D = Diameter is a quarter-inch or larger, about the size of a pencil eraser. Also, these are darker than other moles
E = Evolving by changing shape, size, or color
These potentially dangerous marks could appear anywhere on the skin. They don't mean you have cancer, but if you develop any of these signs, it's time for a professional to take a look.
The American Academy of Dermatology has a handy printable PDF with a reminder of the ABCDEs as well as a "Body Mole Map" where you can mark the exact location of your spots (much like a dermatologist would) on diagrams of the body.
Any new or changing spots warrant a trip to the dermatologist, especially if you fit the high-risk profile.
I Prefer to Slip and Slap
I prefer to cover up with a lightweight, long-sleeved top (preferably one rated UPF 50), sunglasses, and a hat if I'm going to be out and about in the midday sun.
Now, I'm not saying that you should become a cave-dwelling Morlock. After all, you still need some sunlight to power your body's natural vitamin D factory. Not to mention, sunlight exposure helps regulate our circadian rhythms for better sleep and can boost serotonin levels.
Rather, I recommend getting some sun in well-timed doses.
Practice sun safety when your skin is most vulnerable to UV radiation: from the late morning to early afternoon when the sun is highest in the sky. Also, light-skinned folks might need around 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, while darker-skinned folks might need more time, like 20 to 30 minutes.
I prefer this method to slopping on the sunscreen. But if you do plan on slopping, go for a non-nano mineral (like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) sunscreen which sits on your skin to block rays instead of penetrating your skin and potentially causing long-term health issues like other chemical-based active ingredients. Plus, these "physical filters" tend to suit sensitive skin better than chemical-filter sunscreens. Just make sure to follow the instructions on reapplying after two hours or if you get sweaty or wet.
There is some debate over whether the risks outweigh the benefits of skin-cancer screenings at the doctors in asymptomatic folks. I still believe that skin-cancer screening – self-screening, included – is one of the most important exams you can get to maintain your health, especially if you're at high risk of this cancer.
But yesterday, I touched more on the issue of overtreatment – at both the systemic and individual levels in our health care system. I also shared the best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of unnecessary medical care. (If you're not a Retirement Millionaire subscriber yet, give it a risk-free, 30-day trial. You'll get our monthly stock pick, as well as my top health and lifestyle tips, including two brand-new special reports from our in-house auto expert.)
What We're Reading...
- Here's the original Sid the Seagull commercial.
- Could this blood test catch the return of melanoma?
- Something different: Remember when Mark Zuckerberg went heavy on the "slop"?
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
May 15, 2025
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