Who We Are and What We Do
Today, over 100 million Americans — 1/3 of the nation's population — suffer from skin cancers, diseases and disorders that too often result in pain, disfigurement, disability and loss of life. Skin ailments affect people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds, and annually cost the United States alone $39 billion.
While studies confirm a decline in the incidence for many types of cancer, skin cancer rates continue to surge - particularly among teenagers and women. Despite advances in research, an American dies every hour from skin cancer's most dangerous form — melanoma.
In the two decades since its founding, AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION has become a leading catalyst in the fight against melanoma and other serious forms of skin cancer and disease.
Under the direction of Founder & President George W. Hambrick, Jr., MD, the organization's MISSION remains to...
- Advance research
- Raise public awareness about skin disease and its often devastating impact
- Champion good skin health - particularly among children
Led by dedicated volunteers working in collaboration with the nation's foremost physicians and scientists, ACHIEVEMENTS include:
- Committed $6.7 million for dermatological research — historically one of the most underfunded areas of medicine.
- Sponsored studies by over 150 gifted investigators on the cause, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and disease.
- Developed an award-winning public school program — The Wonders of Skin: Looking Good, Being Healthy.
- Provided free instruction to 4.5+ million children in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
- Established a model laboratory at Weill Cornell Medical College, which today remains one of the finest research facilities of its kind.
- Distributed easy-to-understand information at no charge to countless Americans through the organization's publications, hotline and website, which was developed in collaboration with The Rockefeller University.
- Urged government leaders to support increased federal funding for research, which is today among the National Institutes of Health's lowest priorities.
