Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Skin Cancer Foundation has set the standard for educating the public and the medical profession about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection, and prompt, effective treatment. It is the only international organization devoted solely to combating the world’s most common cancer, now occurring at epidemic levels.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than one million cases diagnosed annually across the country. Each year there are more new cases than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Non-melanoma cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have reached critical levels, with squamous cell carcinoma killing 2,500 people each year. The incidence of melanoma continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers. Approximately 8,000 people die from melanoma in the U.S. every year.

Ninety percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are attributable to exposure to sunlight, which contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A person’s risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a Caucasian’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. However, the incidence of skin cancer can be dramatically reduced through education, behavior modification, and early detection. Skin cancer is primarily a lifestyle disease which is why The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes public awareness and education campaigns.

Public Education

More than 2 million visits annually are made to the Foundation’s website. With a #1 ranking on major search engines, the site is the leading patient information resource on skin cancer for millions of people around the world.

Public Information

The Foundation’s educational materials are distributed by dermatologists and at screening clinics, health fairs, and community wellness programs by nurses, educators and schools. About one million pieces of educational literature including brochures, posters, books, newsletters, manuals, public service announcements, and audiovisual materials are distributed annually.

Media

The Foundation is recognized as a major resource on skin cancer for print and electronic media and generates more than 750 million media impressions a year. Coverage of the Foundation and information about skin cancer has been generated on local and national news programs such as Good Morning America and The Today Show, on websites, in magazines from Vogue to US News and World Report, and in newspapers including The New York Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

The Seal of Recommendation for Sun Protection Products

As a valuable guide to consumers, the Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation is granted to sun protection products that meet the stringent criteria of an independent Photobiology Committee. One of the first programs offered by the Foundation in 1981, it quickly gained acceptance from consumers for setting the standard for effective sun protection with sunscreen products, sunglasses, specially treated auto and residential window film, umbrellas, clothing and laundry products that wash UV protection into clothing. Currently more than 800 products carry the Seal nationally and internationally.

Grassroots Programs

The Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour is a travelling skin cancer screening and resource center that visits nearly 80 cities and reaches thousands of people. The Sunsational Guide to Smart Sun Safety / FUN IN THE SUN 101 initiative is a children’s education program comprised of both in-school and online components. The Foundation’s public service advertising campaign, Go With Your Own Glow, focuses on how tanning is no longer in fashion.

Research

Funding is provided annually for basic research and clinical studies related to skin cancer. Ninety research grants have been awarded since 1981 totaling almost $1 million.

Advocacy

Historically, government funding for research on melanoma and the prevention of skin cancer has been disproportionately low. However, the Foundation, along with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, was successful in securing $4 million for melanoma research from the Department of Defense in 2008. In 2009, the goal is $10 million.

International Outreach

The Skin Cancer Foundation has been a catalyst for the establishment of skin cancer organizations in many countries. Public education abroad is sponsored by the International Advisory Council, representing 23 countries.

The Foundation’s professional conferences have taken its message around the world, providing an opportunity for physicians from many countries to exchange ideas. The 13th World Congress on Cancers of the Skin will be held in Madrid, April 7-10, 2010. The program features the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment as well as prevention and public education.

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention

The Council is a coordinating body that seeks to establish a national action agenda on skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation serves as a core member along with the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Dermatology, the Melanoma Research Foundation and the SHADE Foundation.

Inside the Foundation

The Board of Directors, many of whom are leaders in the field of dermatology, are actively involved in the organization’s strategic planning and guide the Foundation’s educational messages.

The Dr. Rex and Johnnie Amonette Circle, formed in 2004 to mark the Foundation’s 25th anniversary, is comprised of physician members who are making a lifetime commitment of support to the Foundation.

Professional Members & Physician Network:

Members and other distinguished physicians form a network of close to 500 dermatologists, Mohs surgeons, plastic surgeons and residents who play a critical role in the organization’s educational outreach.

Corporate Partners:

The Corporate Leadership Council works in close partnership with Foundation management to help achieve its mission. The Corporate Council is a larger group of companies that support our mission and are eligible to apply for the Seal of Recommendation.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has been honored with the American Academy of Dermatology’s Excellence in Education Award and ten Gold Triangle Awards for Community Service.