The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) is the only global, non-profit organization devoted solely to combating the world’s most prevalent cancer. More than 1.3 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Since its founding in 1979, the SCF has set the standard for educating the public and the medical community about skin cancer through national public educational campaigns, medical education and research.

To reduce the incidence of skin cancer by underscoring the importance of prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon. Unprotected sun exposure to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Through national education campaigns, the SCF dispels myths about the health benefits of tanning and continues to aggressively raise awareness among the public against the common misconception that skin cancer is infrequent and not as dangerous as other cancers.

The organization’s primary program goals are to produce, publish and disseminate the most current and accurate educational information on the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer to individuals and families through printed materials, the SCF website and the media; to provide physicians and other medical professionals access to the most current and effective educational tools and treatment therapies through printed materials, medical seminars, conferences and the SCF professional membership program; to support medical research that helps develop cutting edge treatments for skin cancer; and to promote corporate responsibility and set higher standards for sun protective products through the Seal of Recommendation Program.

The SCF expanded programs and activities to reach more individuals, families and physicians with its educational messages. In 2006 the SCF launched a new website that provides more than 2 million visitors a year with skin cancer education and sun protection guidelines, provided nationwide skin cancer screenings to 5,000 people in 22 cities with Doak Pharmaceuticals, initiated a melanoma awareness program for Latinos (La Piel Sana) by partnering with 20 community based organizations, worked with Rite Aid to reach their customers and pharmacists nationwide with bilingual skin cancer information and provided 1 million education materials to physicians and patients.

United States

149 Madison Avenue, Suite 901
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (800) SKIN-490
www.skincancer.org
EIN: 13-2948778