It's a common misconception that people of color aren’t at risk for skin cancer. With the Skin Cancer is Color Blind program, ASDS members are spreading the word that anyone can be affected in any area of the body, and oftentimes the diagnosis in people with skin of color is more advanced with worse outcomes and increased mortality. Photo: The Skin Cancer is Color Blind infographic provides quick educational facts about cancer in skin of color patients (click to enlarge).
The SPF For All program promotes the successful implementation of sunscreen dispensers across the U.S. and encourages the installation of additional dispensers in common public areas, such as local parks and baseball or soccer fields. This initiative increases skin cancer awareness and promotes sun safety. Ball fields, playgrounds, parks, gardens, swimming areas, golf courses and colleges are ideal dispenser locations. The sunscreen dispenser should be placed in a shaded area to preserve the integrity of the sunscreen. Photo: Fifteen sunscreen dispensers were installed for complimentary public use at the 2017 Summer Games of Special Olympics North Carolina. La Roche-Posay provided its Anthelios 60 sunscreen in each station.
Stylists Against Skin Cancer is a dermatologist-led educational campaign for hair professionals that focuses on the detection and prevention of skin cancer in the scalp. Because hair professionals see the entire scalp, they can find growths on the scalp that clients might not see. With education, hair professionals may identify suspicious skin growths during the course of their work and encourage clients to visit a dermatologist for further investigation. The true benefit is awareness that the hair professional can bring to the client. Through Stylists Against Skin Cancer, hair professionals can serve as a link between the community and dermatologists.
Playing outdoor sports and activities can entail a lot of sun exposure but can be enjoyed safely when appropriate measures are taken to reduce sun exposure and the risk for skin cancer. It’s important for everyone (at any age, gender or ethnicity) to understand sun-safe behaviors and why they are an important step in the fight against skin cancer.
The Sun Hero program provides a curriculum for U.S. healthcare professionals teach sun-safe behaviors promoted in ASDSA's SUNucate model legislation to kids across the country, as well as sun safety kits for children that includes sunscreen samples and Sun Hero branded swag.