Sun exposure is the major risk factor for developing skin cancer. Use of sunscreen as sun protection has been shown to cut the risk of skin cancer in half. That’s exactly why Sun Smart Pittsburgh was founded – to better protect the Pittsburgh community by promoting sun safety and skin cancer prevention through complimentary public sunscreen dispensers.
What is Sun Smart Pittsburgh?
Sun Smart Pittsburgh is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was started in 2016 by our very own dermatologists, Drs. Christie Regula and Justin Vujevich. Both specialize in skin cancer surgery and treatment at Vujevich Dermatology Associates and wanted to make a positive impact on the prevention of skin cancer.
Their mission is to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention by providing complimentary public sunscreen dispensers in Pittsburgh around parks, rivers, trails, and sports fields. When out and about, you may often forget to bring sunscreen. Sometimes you simply don’t think to use it when you are busy or having fun outdoors. Luckily, Sun Smart Pittsburgh makes sunscreen use convenient and accessible to all.
The “Why” Behind Sun Smart Pittsburgh
Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Its incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in young adults. More than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. This is in addition to the over 76,000 new cases of melanoma.
While that may seem alarming, sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. In fact, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has declared ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial sources as a known carcinogen. Sunscreen use is a vital component of sun protection, as it prevents damaging sunburns. Daily use has been shown to cut the risk of melanoma in half.
How to Get Involved
Do you want to help make a difference in the Pittsburgh community? You can sponsor a local sunscreen dispenser or make a general contribution to Sun Smart Pittsburgh. The sunscreen dispensers are perfect for outdoor athletic and recreation areas.
However, donations are not the only way to get involved. Sun Smart Pittsburgh also needs ideas for dispenser locations and volunteers to help install and maintain them. If you own a business or know of one that would like to get involved, you can purchase a dispenser for your business or make a corporate sponsorship. Sun Smart Pittsburgh offers corporate partnerships to create a sun safety program for companies. In addition, they now have a community grant program where you can fill out an application to submit a location for the organization to purchase a dispenser.
Did you miss the last Sun Smart Pittsburgh event? You can check out this recap and photos to learn more about the new community grant program.
Sun Smart Pittsburgh is a perfect opportunity to promote a sun smart, responsible way to enjoy our parks, sports fields, rivers, and trails and provide education on skin cancer prevention. While you’re out and about this summer, look for the yellow sunscreen dispensers throughout the many parks and recreational areas of Pittsburgh at these locations!
If you’re wondering about other ways to prevent skin cancer, in-office skin cancer screenings, as well as self-skin exams, are an important piece for early detection. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that people practice monthly head-to-toe self-examinations of their skin. For any other concerns or questions for Pittsburgh medical dermatologists, schedule an appointment with our team today.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.