JOHN WAYNE CANCER FOUNDATION CELEBRATES SUMMER SUCCESSES WITH ‘BLOCK THE BLAZE’ PROGRAM

More than five million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year, making it America’s most common form of cancer. That number includes 95,000 cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. John Wayne Cancer Foundation recognizes how important the fight against skin cancer is and has created a dedicated program aimed at educating children and teens about its prevention.

Block the Blaze’s mission is to eradicate skin cancer for future generations through education, prevention and awareness. This past summer, 222 in-person Block the Blaze presentations were delivered, educating 34,738 youth in just 10 weeks. This is on par with pre-pandemic numbers

“Being based in Southern California, a big part of John Wayne Cancer Foundation’s mission is to research and prevent skin cancers,” said Ethan Wayne, the foundation’s director. “We’re proud to carry on my father’s legacy by teaching kids about this important topic.”Since its inception in 2014, Block the Blaze has educated children and teens in 16 states, reaching more than 579,000 youth. The program is the official partner of the California Surf Lifesaving Organization to provide skin cancer education to California’s junior lifeguards.

Block the Blaze teaches kids the 5 Sun Safe Tips: Apply sunscreen, put on a hat, wear sunglasses, wear protective clothing and seek shade. It also teaches them to go on “Mole Patrol” once a month and look out for the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving. Request a Block the Blaze presentation HERE.