How to Raise Awareness for Skin Cancer

Over a million people every year are diagnosed with skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, and those numbers are rising every year. Increased awareness about skin cancer, and how to protect yourself from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, is more important than ever. By using resources from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, you can raise awareness for skin cancer in your community and beyond.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Oncologist or dermatologist

Find Resources to Raise Skin Cancer Awareness

1. Log onto the Web site for the American Cancer Society (see Resources below), where you will find ways to raise cancer awareness by volunteering your time, donating funds or attending educational conferences. Ask at least one friend or family member to accompany you.

2. Speak with your oncologist about raising cancer awareness by distributing pamphlets and other literature to your community. Ask about sponsoring a free skin cancer screening clinic.

3. Check the Internet and local newspapers for any existing event in your area designed to raise awareness about cancer, and volunteer your time to help them.

Raise Skin Cancer Awareness

4. Start a support group for skin cancer patients and survivors in your community if one does not already exist. Most community centers offer step-by-step instruction on how to start your own support group.

5. Participate in one of the American Cancer Society's 'Relay for Life' walks, and involve as many of your friends and family as you can.

6. Involve the American Cancer Society with any existing charity event at your church or school, and turn it into event to raise awareness for skin cancer.

7. Create your own Web page as a memorial to someone you have lost to skin cancer, using the American Cancer Society's 'Mosaic of Memories' program.

Tips & Warnings

• Help skin cancer patients learn about their legal rights to full disclosure of treatment options, the right to informed consent, and the right to privacy.
• Encourage those around you to follow a healthy diet and use sunscreen.
• A diagnosis of skin cancer often causes emotional and psychological issues that can impede the patient's recovery. Discuss with your oncologist the various options for treating this, such as counseling, support groups or anti-depressants.

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