Sun Safety/Skin Cancer Prevention Program

CBS-TV Video about Our Beach Screening Program

Doctors provide free skin cancer screenings for beachgoers.

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About the Program

Dana-Farber's Sun Safety/Skin Cancer Prevention Program works to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Massachusetts through free education and free skin cancer screenings for the public.

The Sun Safety Program brings Dana-Farber's mobile Blum Family Resource Center Van to beaches, health fairs, communities, and corporate events in and around Boston. At these events, the Program's health educators use an evidence-based curriculum to teach the public about skin cancer prevention and sun-safe practices.

The Program focuses especially on at-risk populations with a higher prevalence and/or incidence of skin cancer, such as beachgoers. During the summer – the peak season for the Sun Safety Program – the Van travels to many beach events in Boston and surrounding areas. Beachgoers can visit the van and learn from our health educators how to prevent and detect skin cancer.

Visitors to the Van can also receive free skin cancer screenings and sun safety materials. On hand to give the free skin cancer screenings at most Dana-Farber Sun Safety Program events is a board-certified Brigham and Women's Hospital dermatologist.

Sun Safety Screening Dates and Locations

We have wrapped up our 2024 Sun Safety Season. Thank you to the dermatologists, DCR staff, local health departments, lifeguards, and volunteers who supported our events this year. We will release our 2025 screening schedule in the spring.

For any questions, please email us at blum_van@dfci.harvard.edu.

Under the Umbrella: Dana-Farber Sun Safety Fact Sheets

Read informative fact sheets dedicated to Sun Safety and a healthy enjoyment of the outdoors all year long. Learn how to choose sunscreen, how to keep your kids sun-safe, and more. These fact sheets are part of our commitment to helping you and your family stay sun-safe.

About the Blum Resource Van

The Blum Family Resource Center Van – home to the Sun Safety Program – is a 39-foot, custom-designed van with a fully equipped exam room. The Van visits health fairs, beaches, public events, and other special events throughout Greater Boston.

For more information about Dana-Farber's Sun Safety/Skin Cancer Prevention Program, please contact our program team at 617-632-2614 or blum_van@dfci.harvard.edu.

"Sun Smart Penguins" Video Has an Important Message

Whenever you go to the beach, the ballpark, or the backyard, remember the sun smart penguins' advice in the video below – and be sun safe.