National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month

April is National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month – the perfect time to step up your skin cancer early detection game. Springtime can be busy, so it makes sense to be proactive. Set a reminder on your phone to do monthly skin self-exams and make an appointment with a dermatologist to get an annual skin cancer screening.

Last month, model and actress, Christie Brinkley, shared in an Instagram post that she had a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) removed from her face. “The good news for me is we caught it early,” she explained. “The good news for you is that all of this can be avoided by being diligent with your sun protection! And doing regular total body check ups… that is a MUST.” 

If you’re not sure how to do a skin self-exam, we’ve got you covered. The Big See® early detection campaign shows you how easy it can be. Remember, if you see anything new, changing or unusual, get it looked at by a dermatologist as soon as possible.  

Here’s more early detection information for you to view and share: 

• What’s that? It could be skin cancer. Watch the video
• How to Perform a Self-Exam
• 3 Things to Look for When You’re Looking for Skin Cancer
• 5 Ways to Prepare for Your Annual Skin Exam
• 7 Simple Ways Your Phone Can Help You Detect Skin Cancer Early

Dr. Sarnoff Says

New, Changing, Unusual? It could be skin cancer.  

Learn from our ladybug video.  

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Every May, awareness about the dangers of skin cancer is at its peak, thanks to you! We’re grateful for everything you do to speak up in the fight against skin cancer! By encouraging people to check their skin for warning signs and protect it from the sun, we can and will save lives.  

Get ready to #SharetheFacts by downloading images from our Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit during Skin Cancer Awareness Month and all year long.  

You can also share your #SkinCancerIsSerious story using our Storyvine video app. Get the details here.  

Destination Healthy Skin Hits the Road Again

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile skin cancer screening and education program, Destination Healthy Skin, hits the road this month! We’re visiting cities around the United States to provide free skin cancer screenings, educational information and sun protection products.  Learn more about the communities we will be visiting here.

April Is National Volunteer Month 

The deep connection between volunteerism and empathy is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities. We are grateful to our volunteer dermatologists who make Destination Healthy Skin, and all our education programs, possible. And we are fortunate to have a wonderful community of skin cancer warriors and healthy skin champions who amplify our educational messages and help spread awareness. Every good thing we do, is all because of you! 

On the Blog 

Look Who’s Talking About Early Detection! 

From celebrities to social media influencers to dermatologists, here’s a look at who’s joined the conversation about skin cancer early detection. 

Spotlight on Early Detection 

Three simple words — NEW, CHANGING, UNUSUAL — are the heart of The Big See® skin cancer education initiative. 

Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer? 

Certain types of skin are at greater risk for developing sun damage and skin cancer. Do you know your skin type? Take the quiz and find out! 

Wherever You Are, We’re There for You, With Skin Cancer Information You Can Trust 

No matter where you are, The Skin Cancer Foundation is there for you with the skin cancer information, guidance and resources you need. 

Skin Cancer in People of Color Partnership with Health Central

We are pleased to collaborate with Health Central to spread awareness about skin cancer risks in people of color and the issues and inequities that hinder prevention, protection and early detection in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities.

Just How Sun-Protected Is Your BIPOC Skin? the first in a quarterly series of articles, offers guidance to help people with darker skin tones better understand skin cancer, how to protect themselves and how to monitor the skin for any changes.

This partnership, alongside our new Love Your Skin campaign (see below), will provide the public with expert information about skin cancer prevention and skin health. 

Join the #LoveYourSkin Campaign 

Loving your skin means protecting your skin. That’s why we’ve launched #LoveYourSkin, a public awareness campaign focused on education, early detection and sun protection for skin of color. 

Skin cancer is often diagnosed later in people of color, when it is more challenging to treat.⁠ Together, we can help one another, share the facts and the love. 

• Follow us and the hashtag #LoveYourSkinProtectYourSkin on social media
• Share facts and graphics to help spread the word
• Read and share our blog posts about skin cancer in people of color

• Use the hashtag #LoveYourSkinProtectYourSkin and tag us @SkinCancerOrg so we can amplify the message

Champions for Change Gala

Monthly Giving: Join Our Skin Protection Fund

Join our community of monthly donors and become a member of the Skin Protection Fund (SPF). Your recurring gift will steadily support the lifesaving programs of the Foundation and help us educate the public and the medical community about skin cancer, its prevention by means of sun protection, the need for early detection and prompt, effective treatment. Learn more and donate here.

Stay Connected

Follow us:

View in Web Browser

The Skin Cancer Foundation
205 Lexington Ave
11th Floor
New York, NY 10016-6022
United States

[email protected]

Manage my subscription