Blum Center Program: Sun Safety and Skin Cancer

Why It Matters

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.; proactive protection and self‑monitoring can curb incidence, improve outcomes, and lower treatment expenses.

Key Takeaways

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
• UV exposure, light skin, and family history increase skin cancer risk.
• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours outdoors.
• Wear UPF clothing and broad‑brimmed hats for continuous sun protection.
• Photograph and track skin lesions with smartphones to detect changes.

Summary

The Blum Center hosted a skin‑cancer awareness session led by Dr. Shinja Doss, a board‑certified dermatologist, to educate patients on sun safety, risk factors, detection methods, and self‑monitoring techniques. Dr. Doss highlighted that skin cancers account for more diagnoses than all other cancers combined, emphasizing that early detection makes them highly treatable. She outlined major risk factors—ultraviolet exposure, lighter skin tones, red hair, family history, age over 50, immunosuppression from organ transplants, and chronic scars—and stressed that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Practical recommendations included applying SPF 30+ sunscreen liberally, reapplying every two hours or after water exposure, wearing UPF‑rated clothing and broad‑brimmed hats, and using smartphones to photograph and track lesions over time. The session underscored that individuals can partner with clinicians by surveilling their own skin daily, potentially reducing advanced disease rates and associated healthcare costs.

Original Description

In this interactive session from May 12, 2026, Shinjita Das, MD, MPH, discusses what is skin cancer, the different types of skin cancers, and the risk factors for developing skin cancer. Participants also learn how skin cancer is detected, how to photograph and track skin lesions at home, and effective ways to protect their skin to reduce the risk for developing skin cancer.