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AAD's Skin Cancer Awareness Program


The American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) Skin Cancer Awareness Program is dedicated to helping you:

  • Prevent skin cancer.

  • Detect skin cancer early.

  • Get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

  • Raise awareness of skin cancer.

To give you the information you need, we've created the following resources.

Prevent

Woman at beach protecting her skin with shade and sunscreen.
Practice Safe Sun

The sun's harmful rays cause most skin cancers. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Three people wear hats to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.
What to wear to protect your skin from the sun

Wearing sun-protective clothing goes a long way in protecting you from the sun's harmful UV rays. See what dermatologists recommend.

Woman in store reading sunscreen label.
How to select a sunscreen

Some sunscreens can prevent sunburn, reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, and help prevent early signs of skin aging. This infographic tells you how to choose a sunscreen that does all three.


Detect

Woman looking at her arm for signs of skin cancer.
Perform a skin self-exam

You can find skin cancer early if you know what to look for. Watch this video to learn how to examine your skin and that of your loved ones.

Dermatologist examining woman at an American Academy of Dermatology's free skin cancer check.
Get checked for skin cancer

People of all skin tones get skin cancer. To help Americans find skin cancer, the AAD offers free skin cancer checks. See if there is a free skin cancer check near you.

People of all colors can develop skin cancer
How to find skin cancer in darker skin tones

It’s a common misbelief that people with darker skin tones cannot get skin cancer. We put that misbelief to rest and provide information to help you recognize the signs in darker skin tones.


Diagnosis & treatment

Dermatologist talking with patient
Find a dermatologist

A dermatologist is your skin cancer expert. While studying to become a dermatologist, these doctors receive extensive training in finding, diagnosing, and treating skin cancer.


Raise awareness

Free skin cancer awareness materials from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Increase skin cancer awareness with family and friends

Use these free flyers, posters, and videos to raise awareness. Board-certified dermatologists reviewed and approved this information.

Children standing with dermatologist Connor Chan, MD, FAAD, in front of a shade structure
Tell someone about AAD’s Shade Structure Grants

Shade plays an important role in reducing the risk of skin cancer. That’s why the AAD's Shade Structure Program awards funds to install permanent shade structures. Public schools and non-profit organizations that serve children are eligible.

Orange square with white lettering that reads,
Discover Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Occurring every May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is 31 days devoted to shining the spotlight on skin cancer. and what you can do to prevent, find, and treat skin cancer.

Portraits of 6 people affected by skin cancer who shared their stories.
Read inspirational stories from skin cancer survivors

To raise awareness and encourage people to protect their skin, patients diagnosed with skin cancer tell their stories. Take a minute to get inspired. If you or a family member has been affected by skin cancer, please share your story.

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