Saving lives through education

Links to Resources

Melanoma / Skin Cancer Information & Literature

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a comprehensive web site and publishes a wide selection of literature, posters, and videos about melanoma and other skin diseases. 

The National Cancer Institute has illustrated photos of melanomas, normal moles, and atypical moles, some of which are utilized in our pages. 

The American Cancer Society has on-line information about melanoma and publishes an excellent booklet, “What You Should Know About Melanoma,” which can be requested by phone (800-ACS-2345) or on-line. 

The Dermatology Atlas has a comprehensive on-line collection of images of skin diseases and conditions.

Dermnet of New Zealand furnished the skin examination illustrations used in our pages and maintains a comprehensive melanoma information site.

The Skin Hoax cover

The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buying Lotions, Potions & Wrinkle Cream exposes how the beauty industry is so mixed in its messages that most consumers have no way to tell which skincare products are helpful and which claims are pure hype. Skincare expert Dr. Fayne Frey explores the “essential” product categories that are entirely unnecessary, exposes how many well-known skincare ingredients have no scientific basis, and recommends truly effective skincare products and regimens that are easy and affordable.

On-Line Searching of Medical Literature

The National Library of Medicine maintains the PubMed search site, which can be used to search the medical literature for papers on melanoma and other diseases of interest.

Finding Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, Screenings, and Mole Monitoring Resources

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) can refer you to dermatologists and, if available, free skin cancer screenings in your area.  

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons can provide information about plastic surgeons in your area. 

Instruments based on digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM), are sometimes used to detect uneven pigmentation or other characteristics of very early melanomas before visual changes are noticeable. Utilizing polarized light and microscopes or magnifying lenses, the instruments provide sub-surface images which are obscured by surface reflections when using normal light. Some instruments have the capacity to gather and store images of moles or other skin growths and compare them against previous images or against comparison images from a database. Some relatively low cost pocket instruments using polarized light and magnifying lenses are available from Dermlite and are popular among dermatologists. 

Tanning Bed Use, Melanoma, and UV Damage

Download an excellent article, A Killer Tan, on the dangers of indoor UV tanning from Prevention magazine, May, 2004.

Abstract of Swedish study on incidence of melanoma among frequent tanning bed users (American Journal of Epidemiology, 1994).

Comprehensive study on the relationship between tanning bed use and melanoma (November, 2021).

Protecting Against UV Damage is an comprehensive article about to protect people — and materials — from UV damage.

Resources for Melanoma Patients

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides on-line clinical trial search that can be utilized to get information about experimental treatments for melanoma and other types of cancer. 

The M.D. Anderson Center has an excellent site with information for melanoma patients. 

In Great Britain Melanoma UK provides support for newly diagnosed melanoma patients.

Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings“ by Ellen McVikcer is a wonderful book for children who have loved ones with cancer. 

On-Line Courses for Primary Care Physicians and Health Care Providers

An outstanding online series of short courses, “Skin Cancer Education for Primary Care Physicians ,” is available from The Virtual Lecture Hall (VLH). The courses are presented with masterful clarity and organization. VLH registation is required and CME credit hours (optional) have a small fee. The series consists of seven short courses that can be taken separately (Early Recognition and Management of Melanoma, Managing Patients with Skin Cancer Risk Factors, Skin Cancer Prevention, Differentiating Common Benign Lesions from Melanomas, Actinic Keratoses, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma). 

Facial Skin Analyzer Machines

These portable table-top machines are wonderful tools for increasing awareness of the damaging effects of the sun among teens and adults. If a user with facial sun damage looks into the machine he/she sees purple freckles — the more freckles, the more damage. Machines may be purchased from many sources (search “skin scanner” online). Prices differ although the machines are similar inside and are primarily manufactured in China.

Elementary School Resources

Unlike high schools and middle schools, sun protection and awareness of UV radiation damage should be the predominant theme in educating elementary school students about skin cancer. Although MEF does not provide direct services to elementary schools there are some excellent resources available. 

EPA SunWise programming materials include grade-appropriate classroom lessons and activities and is free for participating elementary schools. Complete information and the SunWise School Program Guide is available.

There are other organizations and foundations that provide excellent elementary school skin cancer support services. Among them: 

The SunSmart web site, operated by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria (Australia), includes downloadable teaching materials for primary, middle, and high schools. 

Richard David Kann Melanoma Foundation (Florida)

Protective Film for Automobile Windows

Solar Gard is a company that provides clear, UV-protective films for glass.

The Melanoma Education Foundation is devoted to educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. Information provided by the Foundation should not be used for diagnosing or treating a skin problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you have a skin problem you should consult a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other professional healthcare provider.