{"id":6177,"date":"2024-04-02T15:03:41","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T15:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/?p=6177"},"modified":"2024-05-01T16:37:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-01T16:37:27","slug":"speaking-up-and-fighting-skin-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/blog\/speaking-up-and-fighting-skin-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Speak Up in the Fight Against Skin Cancer","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

America\u2019s most common cancer is a fierce adversary, striking more than 9,500 people<\/a> each day. Further, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Despite this, the dangers of skin cancer are not widely known. That\u2019s one reason why, year after year, countless people suffer lasting damage from skin cancer, and more than 20,000 die.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re determined to change that. Our goal is simple: Saving more lives by reaching more people around the country with our free mobile skin cancer screenings and public education programs.<\/p>\n

People Are Speaking Up.\u00a0You Can Too.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To help us reach our goal, we invite you to speak up in the fight against skin cancer. The louder our collective voice, the more people we can reach and the more lives we can save.<\/p>\n

People like Coach Sean McDermott, Chrissy Carbone, Josh Paschal know what it means to say, \u201cThis is skin cancer.\u201d<\/em> And they\u2019re sounding a warning for everyone to hear.<\/p>\n

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\"Buffalo
Photo by Timothy T Ludwig\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coach McDermott<\/a>, the head coach of the NFL\u2019s Buffalo Bills has battled squamous cell carcinoma more than once. And in 2009, he lost a good friend and mentor to melanoma. In 2021, Coach McDermott teamed with us to spread the word to as many people as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you see something new, changing or unusual, go get checked.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Chrissy<\/figure>\n

Chrissy<\/a>, a mom of two and stage III melanoma survivor, talks about the importance of prevention.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there’s anything you can do to prevent skin cancer, you should just do it.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Josh
Photo courtesy of University of Kentucky and UK Athletics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Josh<\/a>, a Detroit Lions football player diagnosed with melanoma at age 19, spreads the skin cancer message to young people and people of color.<\/p>\n

“Realize you’re not invincible. It could happen to you<\/em>.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

The Power of Your Voice<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The power of a single voice made the news in 2022 after a fan spoke up<\/a> at an NHL hockey game. Aspiring med student, Nadia Popovici, saw a suspicious mole on the back of the neck of Red Hamilton, assistant equipment manager for the Vancouver Canucks. She alerted him by typing a message on her phone and showing it to him: “The mole<\/strong> on the back of your neck is possibly cancerous<\/strong>. Please go see a doctor<\/strong>!” \u00a0Hamilton got the mole checked by a doctor and was diagnosed with\u00a0melanoma<\/a>. Thankfully it was detected early enough that it could be removed before it had spread. The simple act of speaking up to Hamilton, a total stranger, likely saved his life.<\/p>\n

Fighting Back with Screenings and Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re on the front lines with 24-7 public education, The Big See<\/a> early detection campaign and our free mobile skin cancer screening and education program, Destination Healthy Skin<\/a>. Since its launch, our Destination Healthy Skin\u2019s volunteer dermatologists have screened more than\u00a025,000 people <\/strong>around the country, and identified more than 10,000 skin cancers<\/strong>\u00a0and precancers. The program\u2019s in person messaging, combined with media outreach and digital campaigns have educated millions<\/strong> of people about skin cancer prevention and early detection.<\/p>\n

And we\u2019re not done yet.<\/strong> Our dream is to defeat skin cancer entirely and we hope you\u2019ll join Coach McDermott, Chrissy and Josh by speaking up.<\/p>\n

What You Can Do<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Your voice can help save lives. There are so many ways to get involved in the fight against skin cancer. Choose one that\u2019s right for you!<\/p>\n