This May, during Melanoma Awareness Month, we’re looking at how pop culture has helped shape the conversation around sun safety, melanoma, and skin cancer awareness.
While skin cancer doesn’t always make the headlines, it’s a serious health issue—not “just skin cancer”. It can be deadly, but it’s often preventable or treatable when caught early. Over the years, movies, celebrities, and social media voices have played a powerful role in encouraging people to protect their skin, check their moles, and take sun exposure seriously.
Celebrities Who Made It Personal
When Hugh Jackman posted a photo of his bandaged nose after a basal cell carcinoma removal, it wasn’t about vanity. It was about honesty. He’s had multiple procedures and continues to encourage followers to wear sunscreen and get checked.
Teddi Mellencamp, living with stage 4 melanoma, has become a powerful advocate by sharing her journey—biopsies, surgeries, and all. Her openness reminds us that melanoma doesn’t discriminate, and early detection matters
Other celebrities like Diane Keaton, Khloé Kardashian, and Kelly Ripa have also shared their own experiences, helping to normalize melanoma conversations and encourage others to take action.
On the Big Screen
Awareness doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, it comes in unexpected ways. In Deadpool 2, Peter from X-Force humorously applies sunscreen, saying, “I don’t know much about this Cable fella, but I guarantee he hasn’t killed as many people as melanoma has.” It’s a quick joke, but it gets the message across—3 to 4 people in Canada die from melanoma each day.
In You Gotta Believe, Luke Wilson plays Bobby Ratliff, a father, husband, and Little League coach whose life is turned upside down after being diagnosed with melanoma. The film shows how skin cancer can affect anyone, even young, active people who might not think they’re at risk. One key moment in the film shows Bobby telling his kids about his diagnosis, bringing home the real and personal impact of melanoma. This story also reminds us of the importance of providing support and resources to patients, families, and caregivers through every step of their journey.
These moments are more than just scenes—they raise awareness and, at times, spark action. They encourage people to book skin checks, wear sunscreen, or even share their own stories.
The Rise of SPF Culture
Over the past decade, sun protection has become a daily priority. Moisturizers, foundations, and primers now come with built-in SPF, reflecting a shift from beauty trends to health-conscious habits.
This shift has been fueled by voices in the beauty, wellness, and health spaces—many of whom are advocates themselves. Some have shared their own biopsy stories, while others demonstrate how they apply sunscreen or talk about the long-term effects of UV damage.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, who calls sunscreen a non-negotiable part of her routine, and Nicole Kidman, who grew up avoiding the sun in Australia, have normalized SPF as part of self-care—not just beauty.
These public figures have helped make that message clear, especially for younger audiences who may not yet understand the risks.
It’s Not “Just Skin Cancer”
That phrase—just skin cancer—can be dangerous. Too many people ignore early signs or put off seeing a doctor because they think it’s no big deal. But melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. And even non-melanoma types, like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, can become disfiguring or serious if left untreated. The good news? Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer and one of the most treatable when found early. And, unlike other cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin.
That’s why awareness matters. That’s why every story, every post, and every sun-safe reminder helps. Whether it’s from a celebrity, a skincare expert, or a friend, that nudge could save a life.
Fifteen Years of Progress—And Still More to Do
Melanoma Canada has spent the past 15 years working to change the narrative around melanoma and skin cancer. We’ve seen how education, community, and visibility can lead to early detection, better outcomes, and stronger support for patients and families.
And we know this: the more we talk about it, the more lives we can protect. So, let’s keep the conversation going. Wear sunscreen. Book your annual skin check. And if you’ve been putting off that appointment, take this as your sign to make the call.
Because it’s never just skin cancer. It’s your health, your life, and it matters.
Sign up for our monthly skin check reminders—it could save your life.
