Awareness

You can’t fix a problem you don’t know exists. That’s why our first order of business is sounding the alarm by letting everyone know two things:

  1. NO ONE is too young to get melanoma. Adolescent and Young Adult Melanoma has reached epidemic proportions, increasing more than 253% over the past 4 decades.
  2. Sun protection isn’t always enough. When it comes to this disease in young people, hormones, genetics and other factors come into play as well. That’s why annual skin screenings by a board-certified dermatologist are your best bet for early detection and treatment.

Explore how the Claire Marie Foundation’s awareness media campaigns are reaching millions of households globally through videos, celebrity public service announcements and our podcast An Unexpected Life.

 

 

View Our Videos

 

View CMF In The Press

Education

Did you know a pediatrician or general practitioner doesn’t study dermatology in medical school? In other words, they are not trained to detect melanoma in their patients, which explains why it is often over-looked or misdiagnosed.

Did you know your skin can burn through your favorite long sleeved shirt or even jeans? Perhaps you think there’s nothing wrong with using a spray sunscreen?

Knowledge is power. That’s why at the Claire Marie Foundation we are passionate about sharing sun safe education with young people, parents and educators through our Collegiate Ambassadors, Free Skin Screening events and our media campaigns

Prevention

Annual skin screenings are essential to prevent and diagnose adolescent and young adult melanoma, especially since the disease is more aggressive and invasive in young people. But with an average wait time of three months or longer for a dermatologist appointment and a lack of insurance coverage, annual screenings are far from routine. No wonder melanoma is at epidemic proportions in teenagers and young adults.

At the Claire Marie Foundation, we believe a melanoma screening with your dermatologist should be as routine as a visit to your dentist and we are stepping up to make that happen.

Through our Free Screening Program, we have screened more than 1,500 young people screen at no cost. Of those screened, 16% required biopsy for suspicion of melanoma. CMF is the only melanoma non-profit in the U.S. offering free skin screenings exclusively to young people.