Skin Cancer Champions Marks One Year of Empowering Patients and Building Community Worldwide

Newswise — BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – Skin Cancer Champions, a private online community dedicated to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals affected by non-melanoma skin cancer, proudly marks its first anniversary. In just one year, the community has become a vital lifeline, filling a critical gap in support, education, and connection for those navigating this often-overlooked disease.

Founded by  Emily Ruiz, MD, MPH, dermatologist who specializes in complex skin cancers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber cancer Institute and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, Skin Cancer Champions is the culmination of her patient-inspired vision to empower those affected by non-melanoma skin cancer through community, knowledge, and compassion. 

“When we launched Skin Cancer Champions one year ago, our goal was to improve the journey for those affected by non-melanoma skin cancer,” said Dr. Ruiz. “One year in, it is incredibly rewarding to hear from patients who now feel informed, connected and cared for,” Dr Ruiz added. “The engagement and support we’ve received from our esteemed partners—Castle Biosciences, Med Learning Group, Sun Pharma, and Practical Dermatology—have elevated the impact and importance of this community to new heights.”

In just one year, the Skin Cancer Community :

• Grew membership by 75%, fostering deeper connections among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

• Published over 120 original educational pieces authored by a committee of healthcare professionals, ensuring accuracy, trust, and expert insight.

• Received a Silver Award in the Patient Education category at the Digital Health Awards Fall 2024, recognizing its innovative, patient-centric approach to online health education.

• Introduced a specialized resource center tailored to the unique needs of newly diagnosed non-melanoma skin cancer patients.

• Brought patients together through in-person and virtual events, complemented by blogs, newsletters, and social media content to create diverse, meaningful pathways for learning, engagement, and support.

• Expanded our global presence with member registrations across twenty countries.

“This first year has shown the incredible power of connection and shared journeys. As we move into our second year, we are committed to expanding our impact through robust event programming, building stronger member connections, and expanding our patient and caregiver resources to meet the evolving needs of our community.” said Kaila Choi, Director of Online Community at Skin Cancer Champions.

If you are a patient diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, a caregiver supporting a loved one on their treatment journey, or a care provider, we invite you to join the safe and compassionate space offered by Skin Cancer Champions: www.skincancerchampions.org

Together, members of Skin Cancer Champions will find support and contribute to the global fight against skin cancer.

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About Skin Cancer Champions: 

Skin Cancer Champions is a dedicated non-melanoma skin cancer community supporting patients and caregivers throughout their journey. It provides a safe and compassionate space for patients, caregivers, and clinicians to ask questions, share experiences, and access the latest information on treatments, advancements, and cutting-edge research for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Adnexal Carcinoma, Extramammary Paget’s Disease, Sebaceous Carcinoma, and Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP).

For more information about Skin Cancer Champions, visit www.skincancerchampions.org