A world without skin cancer
It is currently estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Numbers like that make a world without skin cancer seem an impossible goal. But it is within our reach.
Exposure to ultraviolet light is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. If you could reduce your risk of skin cancer by just seeking shade, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds, wouldn’t you?
Not only is skin cancer preventable, it is highly treatable when caught early. Because the signs of skin cancer are visible on the surface, you just need to call your doctor when you see something unusual, growing, or changing on your skin. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent. Yet, sadly, one American dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, almost every hour.
A world without skin cancer IS an achievable goal and the American Academy of Dermatology is committed to reducing the incidence of and mortality from skin cancer. Public education is the key. By educating the public about how to reduce their risk of skin cancer and how to spot skin cancer, we can help change behaviors and ultimately save lives.
AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign is the solution
The American Academy of Dermatology cannot achieve this goal alone. While we know there are thousands, if not millions, of individuals, organizations and corporations that share our goal, we need to present a united front to be the most effective with our combined efforts. That’s why the AAD launched SPOT Skin Cancer™. This large-scale public awareness campaign is designed to involve the public, the AAD’s membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, other health organizations, media, and for-profit corporations to advance the public’s understanding of skin cancer and motivate them to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer.