American Skin Association and SPOTS Renew Partnership for Skin Health Education

American Skin Association Renews Partnership with SPOTS

The American Skin Association (ASA) proudly announces the renewal of its longstanding partnership with the Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) program for an impressive eighth consecutive year. This collaboration is pivotal in fostering lifelong skin health education, particularly among the youth.

Launched to educate children and adolescents about skin cancer prevention and early detection, the SPOTS initiative effectively delivers its message through dynamic, age-appropriate lessons facilitated by medical students from across the United States and beyond. The invaluable lessons cover essential topics such as proper sun protection, conducting skin self-exams, recognizing early signs of skin cancer, understanding the risks associated with tanning beds, and identifying skin cancer manifestations on diverse skin tones.

In 2024, SPOTS notably expanded its outreach with the establishment of its inaugural international chapter at the esteemed Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This international growth signifies a commitment to addressing skin health education on a larger scale and demonstrates the program's effectiveness worldwide.

Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA, emphasizes the organization's dedication to skin health education, stating, "ASA's ongoing partnership with SPOTS affirms our commitment to promoting education as a key driver of improved skin health. Introducing sun-safe practices to young people early lays the foundation for lifelong protection."

The success of the SPOTS program can be attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr. Sofia Chaudhry from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Drs. Laurin Council and Lynn Cornelius of Washington University in St. Louis. In 2025, the initiative achieved remarkable milestones, increasing its total number of participating medical schools to 76. During the past year alone, SPOTS educated nearly 5,000 adolescents, along with over 400 preschool and elementary students.

Moreover, thanks to a productive collaboration with the Saint Louis Science Center, SPOTS showcased its educational materials during the May 2025 SciFest, reaching over 500 students and their families and distributing essential resources like brochures, bookmarks, and UV-detecting bracelets. This outreach further solidified community awareness regarding sun safety and skin health protection.

In addition to educational outreach, SPOTS has recently published research in the esteemed journal Dermatologic Surgery, offering robust, peer-reviewed evidence demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing students' knowledge and promoting positive sun-safety behavior. Dr. Chaudhry underscores the importance of this initiative, noting, "Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and the SPOTS program plays a critical role in its prevention. By equipping young people with essential sun safety skills, we are helping to create a healthier future for all communities."

Looking ahead, ASA and SPOTS are poised to broaden their impact, with plans to develop new exhibits for science centers, translate all educational materials into Spanish, and expand their social media presence to reach even more youth. Dr. James G. Krueger, President of ASA, expresses optimism, stating, "Thanks to expanded partnerships and innovative educational resources, ASA and SPOTS look forward to another year of advancing skin health education for students. The SPOTS program equips young people with the skills to protect their skin for a lifetime."

For more information about the American Skin Association or to contribute, visit americanskin.org. To learn more about the SPOTS program, you can visit spotseducation.org.

About the American Skin Association

A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians, and scientists, the ASA has played a vital role over nearly four decades in the efforts to combat melanoma, vitiligo, psoriasis, and other skin diseases. With a commitment to advancing research, championing skin health, particularly among children, and raising public awareness about skin disorders, ASA aims to serve the more than 100 million Americans who are affected. The ASA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, recognized for its commitment to transparency and efficacy.