Blum Resource Van brings skin cancer education and resources to local communities

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to reducing the burden of cancer in medically underserved communities. Our Blum Family Resource Center Van is a centerpiece of this commitment—bringing Dana-Farber expertise and services, free of charge, directly to people in the communities and neighborhoods where they live and work. During the summertime, the Blum Van focuses its efforts on cancer screening and prevention.

Because skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with an estimated 1 in 5 Americans developing the disease in their lifetime, skin cancer education is a primary pillar of the Blum Van’s mission. Throughout the summer months, the Blum Van travels to beaches, schools, universities, and community health centers across Massachusetts to deliver its Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention Program. Participants can receive free, on-site, full-body skin assessment from a dermatologist, learning immediately whether follow-up care is recommended.

Studies show that despite the higher incidence of melanoma in Caucasians, overall melanoma survival for people of color is significantly lower. This disparity is due, in part, to later-stage diagnosis of the disease in patients of color and disproportionate access to cancer care and treatment.

The Blum Van also partners with community organizations to provide screenings to letter carriers, fishermen, homeless populations, and other vulnerable groups, and has referred some of these patients to follow-up care for early stage skin cancer. In 2019, of the 753 individuals screened for skin cancer, 144 were referred for follow-up evaluations.

Check out the Blum Van this summer at any of the upcoming stops:

Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at DCR Wollaston Beach

Friday, July 23, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at DCR Nantasket Beach

Monday, July 26, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at DCR Revere Beach

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at DCR Revere Beach

Your support of the Jimmy Fund helps Dana-Farber Cancer Institute support educational programs in medically underserved communities. Dana-Farber is committed to offering quality, lifesaving, cancer care to people of all backgrounds, and your donations make this type of outreach possible.