Be Sun Smart

With support from our Steven Robinson Memorial Endowment, we provide engaging education regarding sun-wise exposure and melanoma awareness to western Montanans.

The Robinson Endowment student education utilizes American Cancer Society information regarding everyday sun care and detection of skin cancer and melanoma. Community Health Alliance is a member of the Melanoma Action Coalition and partners with committed local dermatologists and healthcare providers in this work.

Donors and volunteers expand our community outreach and impact. You can support our efforts by making a donation or calling us at 406.926.2522 about other ways to get involved.

Sun Smart Resources

Skin Cancer Facts

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Every year, nearly 5 million people in the U.S. are treated for skin cancer at an estimated cost of $8.1 billion.

There are more new cases of skin cancer each year in the U.S. than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Every hour of every day, one American dies from melanoma—nearly 10,000 people per year.

Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 30, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women ages 30 to 35.

Though 44th in the nation in terms of population, Montana ranks 12th among U.S. states for new melanoma diagnoses.

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and AIM at Melanoma

“Our family believes that an endowment that stresses prevention and generates awareness about the signs and early detection of melanoma is the best way to honor Steven’s memory and his wish that others not die needlessly from this cancer.”

– Betty Robinson, Steven’s mother

Be Sun Smart

Before going outside, take steps to protect your skin and the skin of those you love and care for from the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) rays.

SLIP on a long-sleeved shirt

SLOP on sunscreen SPF 30+

SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat

WRAP eyes with UV-rated sunglasses

*Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap is the American Cancer Society’s skin cancer prevention awareness campaign.

ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer and Melanoma Detection

Be on the lookout for melanoma—one of the the deadliest types of skin cancer—by remembering ABCDE for keeping an eye on moles, freckles and birthmarks.

A is for Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.

B is for Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

C is for Color: The color is not the same all over.

D is for Diameter: The size is larger than pencil-top eraser.

E is for Evolving: It is changing in size, shape, or color.

About the Robinson Endowment

Established in 2001, the Steven Robinson Memorial Endowment (Robinson Endowment) honors a beloved son, brother, and friend who lost his life to cutaneous melanoma in May of 2000 at the age of 35. His melanoma was diagnosed too late.

Steve wanted to be sure that others were not caught unaware by skin cancer and his family made Steve a promise to do just that.

Steve’s family established the Steven Robinson Memorial Endowment with our Community Health Alliance to provide education to western Montanans regarding sun-wise exposure and melanoma awareness.

The Robinson Endowment education utilizes American Cancer Society information and other evidence-based resources regarding everyday sun care and detection of skin cancer and melanoma.