The Beyer Family Skin Cancer Prevention and Control Initiative
The Beyer family looks to raise awareness and improve outcomes for skin cancer patients while supporting Dr. Jose Lutzky’s melanoma research.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, yet up to 90% of cases are preventable with proper sun protection. Early detection and treatment are key to improving skin cancer outcomes, including melanoma.
Thanks to the generosity of Tony and Vanessa Beyer, a new initiative is providing targeted education on enhancing skin cancer prevention strategies throughout South Florida. The Beyer Family Skin Cancer Prevention and Control Initiative incorporates the full spectrum of prevention, from education to screening and coordination of support services at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery.
“Florida has the second-highest number of new melanoma cases nationwide, with around 9,640 new diagnoses annually,” said Natalia Jaimes, M.D., associate professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the Miller School, who leads the initiative. “While we can’t prevent skin cancer entirely, we are excited to launch this initiative to begin making an impact through prevention and early detection. We are grateful for the Beyer’s commitment to reducing the incidence of melanoma in our community.”
Skin Cancer Survivor Gives Back
Tony Beyer, a cancer survivor, understands first-hand the impact of expert care. Nearly five years ago, facing a grim prognosis after his melanoma metastasized, he found life-saving treatment close to home under the care of José Lutzky, M.D., director of cutaneous oncology services at Sylvester, South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center.
“The cutting-edge and comprehensive care from Dr. Lutzky and his team saved my life,” said Beyer.
In gratitude, the Beyers have made several donations to Sylvester to generate awareness and improve outcomes for skin cancer patients. Their latest gift strengthens the work of Dr. Lutzky and Dr. Jaimes to reduce skin cancer rates in South Florida.
“We are fortunate to have a world-class cancer center in South Florida,” said Beyer. “Fifteen years ago, my diagnosis would have been a death sentence. We must keep funding Sylvester’s research to develop more durable treatments and find a cure for melanoma.”
Sun Protection for Young People
As part of the initiative, Dr. Jaimes and her team are developing targeted, age-specific programs to make sun protection instinctive for young people. Children ages 4 to 11 will learn to prioritize shade and wear hats and protective clothing. Teenagers will be encouraged to adopt lifelong, healthy behaviors including, but not limited to, sun protection, skin monitoring and identifying any new or changing spots.
“Up to 50% of total ultraviolet radiation occurs in the first 20 years of life,” said Dr. Jaimes. “Our goal is for youth to develop healthy habits early, making sun protection to be as automatic as wearing a seatbelt or helmet.”
The initiative also trains frontline professionals who frequently observe skin up close to recognize early signs of skin issues. Dr. Jaimes says they can provide a vital bridge to early detection.
Her team has already started collaborating with primary care providers and residents. The next phase will extend to hairstylists, make-up artists and massage therapists, encouraging them to suggest dermatologist visits when necessary.
Supporting Melanoma Patients and their Families
Sylvester patients with melanoma and their families – who are at higher risk for future skin cancers – are invited to join the initiative. They will benefit from comprehensive care, including earlier detection options and more accurate diagnoses to identify melanoma when it is most treatable.
Recognizing that cancer impacts every aspect of life, a dedicated coordinator will guide them through Sylvester’s extensive resources, from genetic counseling to lifestyle medicine. Participants will also have access to top skin cancer specialists, interactive workshops, ongoing risk assessments, support groups and more.
“We want to empower them to become knowledgeable and passionate leaders who advocate for skin cancer prevention,” said Dr. Jaimes.
Advancing Research in Melanoma
The Beyer’s gift also supports Dr. Lutzky’s groundbreaking research on uveal and cutaneous melanoma.
It funds a clinical trial for ocular melanoma patients at high risk of recurrence and mortality, using a promising medication identified by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s ocular oncology group. The trial will launch in early 2025 at Sylvester and nine other U.S. cancer centers.
The gift also backs correlative studies for a mid-2025 study of a new oncolytic virus and immunotherapy in melanoma and will establish a prospective and retrospective melanoma and skin cancer database.
“The Beyers are true patrons of science, and we are deeply grateful for their support,” said Dr. Lutzky, also director of the clinical trials unit at Sylvester and professor of clinical medicine at the Miller School. “Philanthropy allows us to generate critical data needed for future grants, advancing research in rare, underfunded cancers.”
Tags: Dr. Jose Lutzky, Dr. Natalia Jaimes, melanoma, skin cancer, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, uveal melanoma