--- description: Since 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has sought to educate people about sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. title: What We Do image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Hands-with-Heart-Icon.jpg --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [About Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/) › What We Do # What We Do ## We Hear You. We Are Here for You. Since our founding in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has saved and improved lives. We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Learn how you (yes, you!) influence our work. ### Your First Stop for Skin Cancer Education Nearly 10 million people come to SkinCancer.org annually for the latest skin cancer information. Every day, our [education materials](http://store.skincancer.org)are shipped to medical offices, health clinics, schools and community centers across the country. Medical professionals go to [Provider.SkinCancer.org](https://provider.skincancer.org) for the latest trends and treatment information. Doctors rely on our brochures and posters to help explain the basics of skin cancer to their patients. We take our responsibility as the leader in skin cancer patient education very seriously. We know that receiving a skin cancer diagnosis and navigating treatment options can be daunting. That’s why our Science & Education team works closely with medical experts to break down confusing medical terminology so we can provide you with helpful and digestible information. ![SkinCancer.org website mockup](https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Mackbook-Air-Mock-Up-840px.jpg "Mackbook-Air-Mock-Up-840px") ### Sun & Skin News On our _Sun & Skin News_ blog, we delve deeper into your lifestyle questions about proper sun protection and skin cancer detection and treatment. [Visit our blog](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/) for all that plus patient stories, celebrity interviews and advice from our experts. For monthly news and information about skin cancer early detection and prevention, [sign up for our newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/). [](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/) We have learned that beyond the education we offer, people come to us because they want assurance that they are not alone in their skin cancer journey. That is why we have built a [Facebook community](http://www.facebook.com/skincancerfoundation) of thousands of skin cancer warriors and healthy skin champions. We facilitate a year-round conversation where our followers compare experiences and offer each other support. Your stories, comments and queries inform our work and push us to innovate and expand our programs. [/SkinCancerFoundation](http://www.facebook.com/skincancerfoundation) ![]()[@SkinCancerOrg](http://twitter.com/SkinCancerOrg) [@SkinCancerOrg](http://www.instagram.com/skincancerorg) [/TheSkinCancerFoundation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-skin-cancer-foundation) [/SkinCancerFoundation](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV4Lz4FhzXKCQo0kxSiLpgg) [/](https://www.pinterest.com/skincancer/)[SkinCancerOrg](https://www.pinterest.com/skincancerorg/) ### Creating Community for You ### Answering Your Questions When news breaks in the skin cancer space, the media look to us for answers. Our member dermatologists also help educate those in the media, so they can report the information you need. Year-round, our Marketing Communications team coordinates interviews with newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs, podcasts, radio stations and TV shows, resulting in coverage that reaches many millions of people. [Check out our Press Room](http://skincancer.org/media-and-press/). [](https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/) ### Your Healthy Skin Team Our physician members, donors and corporate partners, along with members of the media, support our programs and help us deliver them to you. We’re incredibly grateful for our allies and their numerous contributions to our work. [Become a member](https://provider.skincancer.org/membership/). [](https://provider.skincancer.org/membership/) ### Supporting Research That Benefits You With the help of our generous donors, The Skin Cancer Foundation has funded more than $2 million in grants since the program began in 1981\. Many early career investigators have used their grants to launch studies on the prevention, detection or treatment of skin cancer that ultimately led to significant treatment advancements for patients and physicians. [Learn more about our Research Grants program](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/research-grants/). [](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/research-grants/) ### Programs That Meet Your Needs **[Destination Healthy Skin](https://www.destinationhealthyskin.org)** is our mobile community education program. Our crew hits the road in our customized RV, outfitted with two exam rooms. We travel around the country and work with local volunteer dermatologists to provide free full-body skin cancer screenings in the towns and cities we visit. **Destination Healthy Skin by the Numbers** * More than 32,000 free skin cancer screenings provided * Nearly 13,000 potential skin cancers and precancers identified, including 615 suspected melanomas * 65 percent of people we serve have never been screened for skin cancer ![seal logo]() Our [Seal of Recommendation](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/seal-of-recommendation/) is recognized by consumers worldwide as a symbol of safe and effective sun protection. The Foundation works closely with our volunteer Photobiology Committee to ensure that every product that earns the Seal meets or exceeds our scientific criteria. [Seek the Seal](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/) of Recommendation on clothing, hats, eyewear, umbrellas, awnings, window film, glass, and sunscreen. **[The Big See®](https://thebigsee.org)![The Big See official logo]()** is our public service campaign that empowers you to take a proactive approach to skin cancer detection and ask yourself: “What’s that?” The Big See leverages the seriousness of cancer (the big C) while highlighting the unique characteristic of skin cancer, the cancer you can actually see. ![Robins Nest Logo]()Our **[Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/)** program helps skin cancer patients and caregivers find support for specific needs related to health care access and other services. Our goal is to point you in the right direction and connect you with a carefully curated collection of internal and external resources. [](https://www.destinationhealthyskin.org) ### Advocating for Your Health Over the years, we’ve pushed local and national government to act on a variety of issues, including [banning tanning beds](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/indoor-tanning-legislation-heres-stand/), i[ncreasing the number of sunscreen ingredients](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/safe-sunscreen-standards-act/) available to Americans and allowing children to bring sunscreens and other sun protection methods to schools and camps to use as needed. The Foundation is a founding member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, a coalition of nonprofits and government organizations that collaborate on skin cancer prevention campaigns and advocacy initiatives. ![View of the Capitol Building in Washington DC Warmly Lit by an Afternoon Autumnal Sun. Some Colourful Trees are in Foreground.]() ### Reaching Around the World for You Our international programs, including the [International Dermatological Exchange Program](https://www.skincancer.org/) and the [World Congress on Cancers of the Skin®](https://www.skincancer.org/) foster communication and learning opportunities for dermatologists around the world. Physicians learn about breakthrough discoveries in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer and implement this education in their patient care. ![]() ### Join Our Fight **Donate** You’ll be supporting our awareness and screening programs, research initiatives and educational materials. **[Donate](https://give.skincancer.org/give/274781/).** **Host a Fundraising Event** From 5k walk/runs and fashion shows to Facebook fundraisers, there are many ways you can [organize a fun event](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/become-a-champion/) for your community while raising money for The Skin Cancer Foundation. We have systems that make online fundraising a breeze, and our Development team is available to help make your event a success! **Pass It On** Use our programs to educate your family, friends and coworkers, and ask your dermatologist if they are a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation. Visit our [Get Involved page](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/) to learn more. [](https://give.skincancer.org/give/274781/?utm%5Fsource=skincancer.org&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=donate%5Fpage#!/donation/checkout) ### We Won't Stop Working For You The Skin Cancer Foundation was founded on the basic tenet that no one should die from this disease. Still, the U.S. loses 50 people to skin cancer every day, and we won’t stop until that number is zero. **With your help, we will get there.** Last updated: March 2026 [ Make a Donation ](https://give.skincancer.org/SCFDonate) * [Prevention▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/) * [Skin Cancer Prevention](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/) * [Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/) * [Sun Protection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/) * [Sunscreen](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/) * [Eye Protection](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/eye-protection/) * [Sun Protective Clothing](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/) * [UV Window Film & Tint](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/uv-window-film/) * [Vitamin D](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/vitamin-d/) * [Seal of Recommendation](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/seal-of-recommendation-archived/) * [Skin Cancer Information▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) * [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) * [Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/) * [Newly Diagnosed with Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/newly-diagnosed-with-skin-cancer/) * [Skin Cancer Pictures | What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-pictures/) * [Skin Cancer in Skin of Color](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-skin-of-color/) * [Actinic Keratosis▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/) * [Actinic Keratosis Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Actinic Keratosis Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-warning-signs-images/) * [Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/basal-cell-carcinoma/bcc-treatment-options/) * [Melanoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/) * [Melanoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Melanoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Melanoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/the-stages-of-melanoma/) * [Melanoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-risk-factors/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-warning-signs/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Stages](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-stages/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-treatment/) * [Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patient Support Center](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/merkel-cell-carcinoma/mcc-patient-support/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma▼](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-causes-and-risk-factors/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs and Images](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-warning-signs-and-images/) * [Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/scc-treatment-options/) * [Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/advanced-scc/) * [Rare Skin Cancers](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/rare-skin-cancers/) * [Risk Factors▼](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) * [Skin Cancer Myths & Misinformation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-cancer-myths-misinformation/) * [Working Outdoors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/working-outdoors/) * [Risk Factors](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/) * [Tanning](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/tanning/) * [Sunburn](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/) * [Atypical Moles](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/atypical-moles/) * [UV Radiation](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/) * [Photosensitivity](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/) * [Skin Type](https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/skin-type/) * [Early Detection▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) * [Early Detection](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/) * [Self-Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/) * [Annual Exams](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/) * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) * [Destination Healthy Skin▼](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/) * [Schedule](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/schedule/) * [Physician Volunteers](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/destination-healthy-skin/physician-volunteers/) * [The Big See](https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/the-big-see/) * [Treatment & Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/) * [Treatment & Resources](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/) * [Mohs Surgery](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/mohs-surgery/) * [Treatment Glossary](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/treatment-glossary/) * [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) * [Support Resources▼](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/) * [Robins Nest](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/) * [COVID-19 and You](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/support-resources/robins-nest/covid-19-and-you/) * [Blog](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-foundation-blog/) * [Get Involved▼](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/) * [Get Involved](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/donate/) * [Your Donation at Work](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/your-donation-at-work/) * [Connect With Us](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/connect-with-us/) * [Sign Up for Newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter-sign-up/) * [SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/safe-sunscreen-standards-act/) * [Petition Update](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/sign-the-petition/) * [Skin Cancer Awareness Toolkit](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/toolkit/) * [Skin Cancer Awareness Month](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month/) * [Share Your Story](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/share-your-story/) * [Create a Fundraiser](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/become-a-champion/) * [Champions for Change Gala](https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/gala/) * [For Medical Providers](https://provider.skincancer.org/) * [About Us▼](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/) * [About Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/) * [Who We Are](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/) * [What We Do](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/what-we-do/) * [Web Store](https://store.skincancer.org/) * [Research Grants](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/research-grants/) * [Press Room](https://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/) * [Publications](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/publications/) * [Corporate Council](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/who-we-are/corporate-council/) * [Education Programs](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/education-programs/) * [Contact Us](https://www.skincancer.org/about-us/contact-us/) [Find a Dermatologist](https://www.skincancer.org/treatment-resources/find-a-dermatologist/) [Recommended Products](https://www.skincancer.org/recommended-products/) ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/about-us\/what-we-do\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/about-us\/what-we-do\/","name":"What We Do - The Skin Cancer 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