Skin cancer and melanoma awareness campaign

Abstract

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The incidence of melanoma is increasing more rapidly than any other form of cancer (with the exception of lung cancer in women). Public education programs have the potential to prevent future skin cancers and promote early detection of skin cancer and melanoma. This article describes a statewide awareness campaign and outlines important nursing activities and educational resources. Among results of a pre- and postevaluation poll are an increase in the number of respondents correctly identifying melanoma as the most serious type of skin cancer and an increase in the number of respondents who stated that sunburn in children was very serious.