Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through video calls and online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
Donations, website, or event-related assistance
Tobacco-related topics
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Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
Text Alternative for Don’t Fry: Preventing Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 5 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That’s more than all other cancers combined. Skin cancer rates have been on the rise over the past few decades. The good news is that you can do a lot to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer.
UV rays from the sun cause DNA damage, leading to skin cancer and aging.
DNA damage - UVA and UVB rays cause DNA damage, which greatly increases skin cancer risk.
Dark patches
Wrinkles
Loose skin
Premature aging
Sunburns
Eye problems
Anyone Can Get Skin Cancer, but be extra careful if you:
Have natural blonde or red hair
Have freckles
Are fair skinned
Spend a lot of time outdoors
Have had skin cancer before
Live in or travel to tropical climates or high altitudes
Take medications that make you sensitive to light
Have had a lot of sunburns and burn before tanning
Have a condition that lowers your immune system
Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
Have a lot of moles, or large or irregularly shaped moles (see cancer.org/moles)
Protect your skin year-round
UV rays are around all the time, no matter what the season
Seek shade (especially 10 am – 4 pm)
Cover up with clothing
Wear sunglasses
Wear a hat
Don’t use tanning beds or lamps
Use sunscreen
What to look for
Broad Spectrum – Protects against both UVA and UVB rays
SPF 30…at least! SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
Expiration Date – Sunscreen lasts two to three years, so check the date
Lip balm with an SPF of at least 30
How to apply it
Be generous! One ounce (about a palmful) should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face.
Don’t forget your ears, hands, feet and under sides of your arms.
Cover up the kiddies, too!
Kids burn more easily. And babies younger than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Together, we are stronger than cancer.
The American Cancer Society is fighting cancer on all fronts. Our mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.
