New York, NY (September 9, 2019) – Destination: Healthy Skin, The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile skin cancer education and screening program, has wrapped its third annual journey around the U.S. Local volunteer dermatologists conducted 1,827 free skin cancer screenings aboard the Foundation’s 38-foot Destination: Healthy Skin RV. Program participants also received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s educational materials and sun protection samples.
The Destination: Healthy Skin RV traveled more than 10,000 miles between May and August, making stops for educational events in New York, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, California, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Connecticut. Together, 59 dermatologists teamed up to donate more than 175 hours of free, full-body skin exams at Destination: Healthy Skin events. The dermatologists identified 578 potential skin cancers and precancers, 40 of which were suspected melanomas.
“Keeping this program on the road and providing this vital public health service has been one of our greatest accomplishments,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Many people who came by the RV told us they wouldn’t have gotten a screening this year if we weren’t in town. These and other heartfelt comments motivate us to continue our efforts to reach as many communities as possible.”
Skin cancers that are found and removed early, before they’ve had a chance to spread, are easier to treat and lead to better outcomes for patients. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends all adults see a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin exam while consistently checking their skin at home for anything new, changing or unusual.
For the second year in a row, Walgreens collaborated with The Skin Cancer Foundation on the program. In each city, Walgreens representatives gave attendees the opportunity to receive a high-tech facial image scan to examine sub-surface sun damage utilizing our Canfield Reveal® Imaging system. They also hosted interactive skin care experiences featuring Walgreens beauty consultants specially trained in sun care. These experts were on site to distribute sunscreen samples, educate visitors on the importance of sun protection and provide advice for staying safe in the sun.
The 2019 Destination: Healthy Skin program was made possible in part by generous support from Walgreens, EMD Serono and Pfizer, Shiseido and Genentech, a member of the Roche group. The Skin Cancer Foundation also encouraged people to “Buy a Mile” and become a part of the Destination: Healthy Skin journey.
Though every type of support is integral to Destination: Healthy Skin, the program’s success relies on the generous donations of time and expertise by volunteer physicians across the country. Dermatologists interested in helping their communities may visit DestinationHealthySkin.org/volunteer for more information on getting involved. The Skin Cancer Foundation is currently planning the 2020 Destination: Healthy Skin event schedule.
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About The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research. Since its inception in 1979, the Foundation has recommended following a complete sun protection regimen that includes seeking shade and covering up with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses, in addition to daily sunscreen use. For more information, visit SkinCancer.org.
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