Skin Cancer Prevention Success Stories

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Programs have found many innovative ways to help prevent skin cancer in their communities. Some highlights are provided below.

Photo of children playing under a shade structure funded by the American Academy of Dermatology

Shading Children from the Sun’s Harmful Rays

Since 2003, the American Academy of Dermatology has given money to schools, child care centers, parks, and nonprofit organizations to build more than 350 permanent shade structures.

Photo of Dr. Sherry Pagoto presenting Dr. Carolyn Heckman with the Skin Smart Campus award for Temple University.

Reducing Indoor Tanning on College Campuses

The Indoor Tan-Free Skin Smart Campus is a national initiative supported by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. It aims to break ties between universities and tanning salons and educate college students about skin cancer prevention.

Photo of children gathered around a sunscreen dispenser provided by Nevada’s Sun Smart Schools program

Building a Culture of Sun Safety for Nevada’s Youth

Nevada’s Sun Smart Schools program teaches students about sun safety, encourages schools to adopt sun-smart policies, and promotes access to sunscreen and shade on school grounds.

Photo of John Harvey, MD; William J. Nixon, MD; Patrick O’Neal, MD; Ravi R. Patel, MD; and Rutledge Forney, MD.

Providing Education and Sunscreen Access in Georgia

The Georgia Sunscreen Initiative works with skin cancer prevention experts, state agencies, and universities to reduce skin cancer in local communities.

Photo of a free-standing shade structure at the Albert Bean Elementary School in Pine Hill, New Jersey

Building Shade Structures on Playgrounds and Sports Fields

The Peggy Spiegler Melanoma Research Foundation built a free-standing shade structure at the Albert Bean Elementary School in Pine Hill, New Jersey.

Page last reviewed: June 24, 2019

Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention