Spearheading Awareness Campaigns for Skin Cancer Prevention and Sun Protection

Becky Kamowitz, Executive Director of the Skin Cancer Foundation, is leading efforts to amplify awareness about skin cancer prevention through initiatives like "The Big See" campaign. Launched in 2019, the campaign aims to simplify the warning signs of skin cancer by encouraging patients to look for anything "new, changing, or unusual" on their skin. With the help of dermatology clinicians, this message has gained traction, reaching millions through public service announcements and garnering over $69 million in donated ad value.

Kamowitz is eager to expand "The Big See" campaign's impact by further engaging dermatologists and increasing its reach. Dermatologists play a critical role in spreading the message, and Kamowitz encourages clinicians to share campaign materials with their patients and provide feedback to the Foundation on how the initiative can evolve.

"There's so much more we can do together," she said, expressing a desire to produce new content, potentially in multiple languages, and even launch paid advertising like out-of-home billboards to spread the message to wider audiences.

In addition to the awareness campaign, the Foundation is also updating its Seal of Recommendation program for sun protection products, which helps consumers identify effective sunscreens, clothing, and accessories. The updated criteria, set to launch in 2025, will raise the minimum SPF requirement for daily-use sunscreens from SPF 15 to SPF 30 and for active-use sunscreens from SPF 30 to SPF 50. The criteria for UVA protection will also be strengthened, with an increase in the critical wavelength from 370 nanometers to 373 nanometers. Additionally, the minimum ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) for fabrics will rise from UPF 30 to UPF 50. Clinicians and patients can find a full list of recommended products on the Foundation’s website.

Through both "The Big See" and the Seal of Recommendation programs, Kamowitz and the Skin Cancer Foundation continue to empower dermatologists and patients alike with the knowledge and tools to better protect themselves from skin cancer.