Living with Skin Cancer: HUKAs Foundation Provides Information and Experiences
For many diseases and conditions, there are patient organizations where people can turn to for support, information and contact with peers. Such an organization for skin cancer did not exist yet. That’s why Jaap Touw, a skin cancer patient himself (unfortunately passed away in 2023), and Sven van Egmond, a doctor and dermatologist in training, founded The Skin Cancer Foundation (HUKAs) in 2019.
In recent years, dermatologists are seeing an increasing number of patients with skin cancer. As a dermatologist, Dr. Francis Wu, I unfortunately know this all too well. However, there is something many dermatologists fortunately do not know from their own experience: what it feels like to be a patient with skin cancer.
The pursuit of HUKAs
The Skin Cancer Foundation is committed to patients with non-melanoma skin cancer, by:
- Independent Information: We make reliable information about skin cancer accessible to everyone. On our website, you will find articles written by dermatologists and skin therapists, free to consult.
- Peer Support: Sharing experiences can be extremely helpful. That’s why we offer contact with experienced professionals and organize meetings where patients can meet each other.
- Advocacy: We support scientific research and collaborate with other patient organizations and medical professional groups, so that the interests of skin cancer patients are well represented.
- Education and prevention: Our experts regularly provide education to patients, medical professionals, and relevant organizations. Additionally, our volunteers inform at various events on how to protect your skin to prevent skin cancer.
Want to know more about our activities or perhaps even become a volunteer? Take a look at our website: www.hukas.nl.
Annual Contact Day
HUKAs organizes a special contact day for patients and their loved ones every year. On this day, meeting, recognition and acknowledgement are central. In an informal atmosphere, you can easily get in touch with experienced experts, caregivers and other patients.
Keep an eye on the website for information about the next contact day in 2025.
In 2023, I was present to share his experiences. Are you interested in participating in the contact day this year? You can find more information here: HUKAs contact day 2024
What makes HUKAs different
When you are told that you have skin cancer, a lot changes. Questions arise, uncertainties, and often a search for reliable information. But what if you also need someone who understands what you are going through? Not just a doctor, but a human being. That is where HUKAs – the Skin Cancer Foundation – distinguishes itself.
HUKAs offers more than just medical information. The foundation combines factual, well-founded knowledge about skin cancer with something just as important: space for experiences and conversations. The peer support facilitated by HUKAs is easy to access, warm and accessible. You don’t have to bear your story alone—there’s always someone who listens, someone who recognizes it.
What also sets it apart from many similar platforms, is that personal approach. The information on the website is clear and understandable, without professional jargon. It not only looks at the disease, but also what it means to live with it—for patients and their loved ones.
Moreover, HUKAs is independent. The foundation collaborates with healthcare professionals, but is not a commercial initiative. That means: honest, neutral information and support, without a hidden agenda.
Whether you are in the diagnosis stage, in the middle of treatment, or trying to get your life back on track afterwards—HUKAs provides support in a way that touches you. Not just on paper, but from person to person. That makes it different. That makes it necessary.
Patient organizations can only exist thanks to donors. Want to know more about how you can support us? Take a look here: Become a donor
Now that You’re Here
The moment you are diagnosed with skin cancer is often overwhelming. During the conversation with the doctor, you may miss information or only realize later what was exactly said. After that, the question may arise: What does this actually mean for me? And is there anything I can do to prevent recurrence?
Skin cancer is becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands. In 2023, an estimated 77,000 people were told they have a form of skin cancer. And according to the KWF, this number will continue to rise for the time being.
It is therefore valuable to know what type of skin cancer you have. The three most common types are: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (PCC) and melanoma. Each with its own course and approach.
Do you want to know exactly what these forms mean and what you can do after the diagnosis?
Read more in our blog about skin cancer diagnosis, what now?.
