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SPOT Skin Cancer™ seeks a world without skin cancer


Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer every day.

Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers.

That’s why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) launched SPOT Skin Cancer™. The goal of this awareness program is to create:

A world without skin cancer

This may sound unrealistic, given how many people get skin cancer. The AAD believes that by coming together, we can achieve this goal.

We’re asking the thousands, if not millions, of people who share this goal to come together. By teaming up, we can combine our efforts. We invite everyone to join us, including:

  • The public

  • Our membership of more than 20,500 medical doctors worldwide

  • Health organizations

  • Other non-profit organizations

  • Media

  • Corporations

Together we can raise awareness that helps to prevent skin cancer, find this disease early, and save lives.

About SPOT Skin Cancer™

This skin cancer awareness program brings together all the AAD’s initiatives to raise awareness of skin cancer. This includes Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May and Melanoma Monday®, which occurs on the first Monday in May.

Through SPOT Skin Cancer™, the AAD also raises funds, provides grants for shade structures, and offers lifesaving events that include free SPOT Skin Cancer™ screenings.

What will you do to help create a world without skin cancer?

We invite you to join us by taking your first step in creating a world without skin cancer. Here are some ways you can start.

Woman sitting under beach umbrella applying sunscreen to her face
Practice Safe Sun

The sun's harmful rays cause most skin cancers. Find out what you can do to Practice Safe Sun and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Woman checking her arm for signs of skin cancer
Perform a skin self-exam

You can find skin cancer early if you know what to look for. Watch this video to learn how to examine your skin and that of your loved ones.

Dermatologist performing a free skin cancer screening
Get screened for skin cancer

Some communities are now allowing skin cancer screenings at community events, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and their local governing bodies. See if there is a free skin cancer screening near you.

Some of the AAD's free skin cancer materials
Educate others

Use these free flyers, posters, and videos to raise awareness in your community or workplace.

Children standing with dermatologist Connor Chan, MD, FAAD, in front of a shade structure
Learn about the AAD's Shade Structure Grant Program

Shade plays an important role in reducing the risk of skin cancer. That’s why the AAD's Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants to public schools and non-profit organizations for installing a permanent shade structure.

Collage of people who've submitted skin cancer stories
Read inspirational stories

To raise awareness and encourage people to protect their skin, these patients with skin cancer tell their stories. Take a minute to get inspired. If you or a family member has been affected by skin cancer, please share your story.

Hands joined together in support of SPOT Skin Cancer™
Support SPOT Skin Cancer™

Your help provides greater access to shade structures and free skin cancer screenings. Funds are also used to create public education, awareness campaigns, and online resources, as well as support advocacy efforts and research.

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