From the Surgeon General
Skin cancer is the most common type of
cancer the United States. This disease can
greatly reduce quality of life, and it can be
disfiguring and even deadly. Medical
treatment for skin cancer is costly for
individuals, families, and the nation. The
good news is that most cases of skin cancer
can be prevented.
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to
Prevent Skin Cancer calls on partners in
prevention from various sectors across the
nation to address skin cancer as a major
public health problem. Government,
business, health, education, community,
nonprofit, and faith-based sectors are all
essential partners in this effort.
In this Call to Action, the Surgeon General
sets forth five main goals that will serve as a
road map for all Americans in their efforts
to reverse the rising tide of skin cancer:
• Increase opportunities for sun
protection in outdoor settings.
• Provide individuals with the
information they need to make
informed, healthy choices about
their exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) rays.
• Promote policies that advance
the national goal of preventing
skin cancer.
• Reduce harmsfrom indoor tanning.
• Strengthen research, surveillance,
monitoring, and evaluation
related to skin cancer prevention.
With sustained support and a unified
approach, we can achieve major
reductions in skin cancer-related
illness, deaths, and healthcare costs.
