Raising Skin Cancer Awareness Among Hispanics

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The Skin Cancer Foundation is bringing potentially life-saving skin cancer information to Hispanic-Americans through a new public education program comprised of skin cancer prevention and sun protection messages. This comes at a crucial time—skin cancer rates among Hispanic-Americans, the fastest-growing population in the country, are skyrocketing. New research shows that in the past two decades alone, melanoma incidence among United States Hispanics has risen almost 20%.1

The Foundation is committed to educating this very important audience on how to prevent skin cancer. The cornerstone of the awareness program is a robust Spanish-language website, www.cancerdepiel.org. The launch of the website is made possible through funding from Target and is designed to provide the Hispanic community with a valuable and trusted resource.

“There is a critical need to arm the Hispanic community with the education and tools they need to practice sun safety,” said Perry Robins, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin cancer is largely a disease stemming from certain behaviors, and it can be easily prevented with proper sun protection measures.”

CancerdePiel.org features 50 pages of medically-reviewed content on skin cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. Site visitors can take advantage of articles on the different types of skin cancer, the dangers of tanning and skin cancer in skin of color, among many other topics. The Skin Cancer Foundation is also bringing Spanish-language printed materials on sun protection and skin cancer prevention to the public via physicians and their practices. Content includes skin cancer warning signs, how to conduct a self-exam and prevention tips. Additionally, the Foundation is working to distribute skin cancer-related content to Hispanic-American community organizations and media outlets.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has received support from Target over the past three years to educate the public on the importance of proper sun protection and skin cancer awareness.

REFERENCE

1. Coups EJ, Stapleton JL, Hudson SV, et al. Linguistic acculturation and skin cancer-related behaviors among Hispanics in the Southern and Western United States. JAMA Dermatol 2013; 149(6):679-686

For more information, visit www.skincancer.org.

 

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