Fighting Skin Cancer: A Mission That Matters
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers, yet it remains a major public health issue. I am thrilled to share that I have joined the board of advisors of Fundación Piel Con Vida (https://fundacionpielconvida.org/), Mexico’s only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to skin cancer education, prevention, and treatment.
For years, Fundación Piel Con Vida has been a force for change, benefiting tens of thousands of people through educational initiatives, medical outreach, and screening programs. While the foundation initially focused on Northern Mexico—where I grew up—it is now expanding nationally, and I am excited to help drive this growth.
Expanding Our Reach: The Goals of Fundación Piel Con Vida
Skin cancer is unique in that it is one of the easiest cancers to detect and treat when caught early. However, awareness and education are critical. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, reinforcing the need for preventive action (https://www.skincancer.org/).
If skin cancer is a serious issue in the U.S., the problem may be even more significant in Mexico and Latin America, where access to dermatological care and awareness levels are lower. Many individuals lack basic education about sun protection, and preventive check-ups are not as widely accessible. This underscores the importance of initiatives like Fundación Piel Con Vida to bridge the gap in knowledge and healthcare access.
One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is the “Por Una Piel Sana” campaign, which provides free consultations with dermatologists. In 2023 alone, this program led to medical evaluations, identifying a percentage of cases as skin cancer or pre-cancer.
The Role of Sun Protection in Prevention
Promoting Daily Sun Safety
A major aspect of prevention is daily sun protection, and Fundación Piel Con Vida is taking action by selling its own sunscreen brand in Mexico. This initiative not only spreads awareness but also helps finance the foundation’s work. Thanks to nonprofit programs from platforms like MercadoLibre and Amazon, fees are waived, making the product more accessible.
Sunscreen has become an essential product in Mexico, with sunscreen ranking among the most searched and sold items on MercadoLibre in 2024. This highlights growing consumer awareness but also emphasizes the need to continue promoting education on proper sun protection habits.
Buy on MercadoLibre
Coming soon
Annual Congress for Healthcare Professionals
Each year, Fundación Piel Con Vida organizes the Congress of Dermato-Oncology, where specialists, doctors, and students come together to discuss the latest advances in skin cancer research and treatment. In 2024, the congress benefited a growing number of healthcare professionals.
Innovation in Early Detection
AI and Skin Cancer Screening
With advancements in artificial intelligence, mobile apps are now being explored as tools for early skin cancer detection. While not yet a substitute for professional diagnoses, these apps can help increase awareness and encourage early check-ups. If you’re working on AI-driven solutions in healthcare, we would love to collaborate.
Corporate and Government Partnerships
As the foundation expands nationally, we are seeking collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to further integrate skin cancer awareness into corporate wellness programs and public health initiatives. If your organization is interested in joining this effort, let’s talk.
Join the Fight Against Skin Cancer
Skin cancer does not have to be a silent killer—with the right education and preventive measures, we can save lives. Whether by supporting the foundation through donations, attending our annual congress, or simply spreading awareness, everyone has a role to play.
We invite individuals, businesses, and institutions to join us in this fight. If you have ideas or resources to contribute, let’s collaborate!
