Skin Cancer Foundations

Skin cancer affects many people, and there are several skin cancer foundations that provide support, advice, references, and guides for dealing with skin cancer. Skin cancer typically forms on the exposed parts of the body, namely the face, head, neck, arms, and hands. People with a family history of skin cancer--and who have light skin, eye and hair color--are prone to skin cancer. Age and sun exposure are other factors that may lead to skin cancer. Early detection is very important for successful treatment. The skin cancer foundations have compiled many resources to educate people about skin cancer prevention and advice for recognizing its signs, as well as the treatment options available for skin cancers.

Types

• The most well-known forms of skin cancer are melanoma, and the nonmelanoma skin cancers---squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. More than 90 percent of the skin cancer cases in the United States are basal cell cancer.

  Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells in the skin that have pigmentation. This cancer develops when these cells metastasize.

  Basal cell carcinoma develops on the skin, and it usually does not spread beyond its location. It resembles the skin's basal cells, and it appears as a sore or wound that will not heal.

  Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells of the skin, and it may spread to other bodily organs or lymph nodes.

The Skin Cancer Foundation

• The Skin Cancer Foundation was founded in 1979 to educate the medical professionals and the general public about skin cancer. It aims to actively decrease the percentage of skin cancer cases through its efforts to control the epidemic and educate about sun protection. They focus on improving the way people treat their skin by protecting it from too much sun exposure.
  The Skin Cancer Foundation provides information about the latest advances and treatments. This education is geared towards all age groups, to prevent life-threatening skin cancers in the young and the old. You'll find its official Website in our Resources section.

The Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation

• The Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation established programs to educate the general community about skin cancer and sun safety precautions. They incorporate evidence-based research into their educational programs, and they have a team of professionals and other people who work hard to educate others about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation also provides free educational materials to schools and the general community. Its Website also offers many resources and articles. The link is provided in our Resources section.

Melanoma Education Foundation

• The Melanoma Education Foundation was developed to educate the people about the importance of detecting melanoma early. The Foundation trains educators on how to teach skin protection and early melanoma detection to young people. They have developed classroom materials for teachers, and they conduct skin screenings for melanoma, as well as lectures and seminars.

The American Melanoma Foundation

• The American Melanoma Foundation was developed in Southern California by a group of actual melanoma patients in 1990. Their goal was to increase the awareness and support for new treatment research in melanoma. This goal was accomplished by the American Melanoma Foundation, and the Foundation has received national recognition for revolutionizing the approach to melanoma research and treatment.

Considerations

• Skin cancer foundations have made tremendous efforts to disseminate vital information to the general public and health care professionals alike. They provide information on the importance of skin cancer prevention and early treatment. They have also made collaborative efforts to provide support to skin cancer patients, including therapy options, support groups, family support, resources, and information on the latest advances in research and treatment modalities.