Resources:
Skin Cancer. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer. Accessed 8/20/2025.
Our Mission
Raising Awareness on Sun Safety in the Community
The Prevalence & Dangers of Skin Cancer
While skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also one of the most preventable. One in five Americans are estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths with approximately 20 people dying from it every day in the US. Skin cancer costs the American healthcare system over $8.9 billion a year.
Furthermore, while many may not worry about the dangers of unprotected time in the sun, one can easily double their risk for melanoma with just five or more sunburns. Because of the dangers of skin cancer and other sun-related health issues, we believe that everybody must have the opportunity to take steps to safeguard their skin.
Impact on Marginalized Communities
Underserved communities may have less access to healthcare and education, resulting in lower awareness of the importance of sunscreen use. Additionally, because sunscreen can be expensive, communities with limited economic resources may not be able to afford to protect their skin constantly. Therefore, even though sunscreen is essential, it is not always prioritized. Some marginalized communities also live in areas with a lack of shade or work outdoors, putting them at higher risk for developing skin cancer.
And while there are significantly higher rates of skin cancer in white people, people of color often have delayed diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and face worse outcomes. This can partially be attributed to the disparities between diverse racial and ethnic groups in their risk perception of getting a sun-related disease. With a lower perceived risk, fewer health-protective measures are taken, as with a higher perceived risk, more health-protective measures are taken.
