HUMANE CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Support the Skin Cancer Foundation

Skin cancer caused by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays has become the world’s most common cancer over the past few decades, and more than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States alone. Despite the alarming statistics, this painful and often deadly cancer can be prevented with proper protection from the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation has been working tirelessly since 1979 to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through research, public education, and outreach campaigns.

To raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and detection, the Skin Cancer Foundation distributes patient education brochures, writes an annual medical journal, and publishes books with essential skin cancer information.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation program makes it easy for consumers to protect their skin. The seal is awarded to products such as sunscreens, sunglasses, and clothing that meet the Skin Cancer Foundation’s rigorous scientific criteria for UV protection. Approved products may use the seal on their labels, and information about all products that meet the criteria can be found on The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

In addition to providing valuable information to the public, representatives of the Skin Cancer Foundation travel across the country to provide free skin cancer screenings during its annual Road to Healthy Skin Tour. Since 2008, dermatologists volunteering for the Skin Cancer Foundation have saved many lives by discovering thousands of suspected cases of skin cancer. The 2011 tour, which started in March and will end in September, will make an estimated 80 stops in 24 states.

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and as sunny summer weather approaches, now is a great time to learn about skin cancer prevention and treatment. For more information about the Skin Cancer Foundation and their important work, please visit SkinCancer.org.

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