September Newsletter

Vol. 9| September 2024

Fall is nearly here and we want to remind you that even though it’s cooler outside, you should always protect your skin.

Sun damage is cumulative. Each time you expose your unprotected skin to the sun’s rays, you add to the UV damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

The answer is to be proactive whenever you are outside, whether taking a walk, tossing a ball around with friends, or heading to the coffee shop for a fall-themed beverage. Make sunscreen, a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses a daily habit all year long.

Back-to-School Sun Protection Tips

With back-to-school season in full gear, remember that harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are present year-round, and one study notes that children sustain a significant amount of sun exposure at school. About 23 percent of lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18, and this exposure can have far-reaching effects. Read the press release.

It’s a fact: people who identify as Hispanic or Latino/Latina are at risk for sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer. And some are at high risk. Our expert explains why.

World Cancer Research Day is a global movement to raise awareness about the importance of cancer research.

Since 1981, The Skin Cancer Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in research grants to encourage ideas in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

Play On, Jimmy Buffett

On September 1, 2023, the world learned that Jimmy Buffett died of the rare, aggressive skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). One year later, his enormous following has given him a posthumous role as a skin cancer awareness-raiser.

Ask the Expert: Is Skin Protection More Important During “Sun Season”?

Why are there more stories about sun protection in the summer? Is there really a “sun season”?

Can Working as a Firefighter Increase Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

Firefighters risk their lives running into burning buildings, but the menace doesn’t come just from the fire. They may face an increased risk for developing melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.

Layering Is the Key

When the air turns cool, you may not feel the heat of the sun’s rays. But they still have the power to damage your skin, so follow our autumn guidelines to protect yourself.

From September to November, our Destination Healthy Skin (DHS) program is visiting 15 communities where volunteer dermatologists will provide free skin cancer screenings and educational materials to the public. See our Fall 2024 schedule of dates and places here.

Our free mobile skin cancer screening and education program is a vital public health service that saves lives.

Urgent Need: The Destination Healthy Skin RV is declining and must be replaced for our 2025 season to keep us on the road, screening more people and saving more lives.

You can help with a donation of any amount.

We are pleased to collaborate with Health Central to spread awareness about skin cancer risks and the issues and inequities that hinder prevention, protection and early detection.

How Derm Deserts Are Harming Our Skin
Many Americans in rural parts of this country where dermatologists are scarce pay the price for lack of access to care, at a time when skin cancers like melanoma are on the rise.

Need a Skin Check? There’s an RV for That
There’s still time to catch The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile tour offering free screenings—and to support its work.

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.

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