A new wave of public health and medical students across Nevada is stepping up to tackle one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Through hands-on outreach, peer education and community events, students are playing an increasingly important role in promoting sun safety and reducing the risk of skin cancer statewide.

Referring a patient for lung cancer screening is made easier with this 2-page guide. It includes eligibility specifics, patient referral flow, cessation tips, and billing and diagnosis codes.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with thousands of cases of squamous cell, basal cell and melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- diagnosed each year. We can help to prevent many of these cancers by promoting sun safety, encouraging people to keep an eye on changes in their skin, and educating people about the dangers of tanning beds.

Access our quick facts and resources to share information with your community in May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and year-round.

Nevada Cancer Coalition developed two toolkits to help Nevada healthcare providers increase the number of youth who initiate and complete the HPV vaccination series. By recommending and administering the HPV vaccine to your patients, starting as early as age 9, you can help protect children from a future devastating cancer diagnosis.

These toolkits can, and should, be reviewed and used by the entire provider office. Presenting a unified and consistent message to patients and parents is vital to a successful vaccination program.

April is the awareness month for both Head & Neck cancers and Testicular cancer. NCC has pulled together quick facts for you to share for both of these.

Clinical trials and community-based research are the bridge between scientific discovery and patient care, providing safe, structured opportunities to test promising new therapies and interventions. Yet, many Nevadans face barriers to participation.

We are working together to connect professionals, expand education, and build community awareness to increase access to cancer research, support new clinical trial providers, and empower patients to take part in studies that shape the future of cancer care in Nevada.

The third annual Biggest Little Skin Cancer Screening returns to Reno May 14 with a new location at the Reno Public Market, 299 E. Plumb Lane in Reno. The popular community event has drawn about 200 people annually to get FREE skin cancer checks from local dermatologists. The event runs from 3:30-7 p.m. and anyone is invited to attend, especially those who don’t have health insurance or can’t normally take off work to go to the doctor.

By Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, UMass Amherst and Michal Horný, UMass Amherst

Meet Susan Cox, NCC’s board president who’s been a member of the coalition so long she can’t recall when she joined. It was 2008, maybe, or 2010? It’s been a while. She’s helped draft or execute at least four of our five-year cancer plans and probably attended every Summit we’ve hosted.