Our media contributions & features
He's Educating Hairstylists to Spot Cancer. November 13th, 2025. Who's Behind the Headline.
Tune into this podcast episode where Leila, anchor and podcast host, interviews J. Caleb Runyon, NP-C to discuss the details of The Closer Look Project and its efforts in preventing skin cancer by educating personal care professionals. The episode is available on Spotify and YouTube.
"I believe you'll fall in love with his energy and passion..."
A huge thank you to Deeann Graham for having founder Caleb Runyon on the latest episode of the Alopecia Life podcast.
In this episode, Caleb and Deeann discuss sun safety and scalp health, bridging the gap between healthcare providers, beauty professionals, and underserved communities, and how The Closer Look Project is championing early skin cancer detection through everyday community spaces.
Whether living with alopecia, working in a salon, or practicing in a clinic, this conversation explores how collaboration can elevate patient care. See below for the full episode.
Public Service Announcement: Important Information About Patient Perspective & Ability by J. Caleb Runyon, NP-C.
The Closer Look Project & the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners (SDNP) have identified an area for improvement that may be limiting your patients’ ability to receive effective treatment. Read the article by J. Caleb Runyon, NP-C which was shared in the DermNP Digest newsletter of the SDNP.
Download the full article!
If You “Don’t See Color,” You’re Doing It All Wrong. July 9, 2025.
In a powerful and essential article, Caleb Runyon, NP-C and Dr. Kimberly Madison, DNP, of Mahogany Dermatology challenge a common misconception in healthcare: the idea of being "colorblind." The piece delves into the profound clinical significance and cultural weight of melanated skin, advocating for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to patient care.
"Despite my training, I wasn't equipped to confidently diagnose certain conditions in melanated skin. That experience taught me something deeper than medicine — it taught me that vulnerability is a strength... When we lead with humility, we make space for trust, and trust is where true healing begins."
This piece calls on healthcare providers to move beyond superficial interpretations and engage with the full spectrum of their patients' identities — recognizing that acknowledging race and cultural background is not a barrier, but a cornerstone of equitable and effective care.
Health Expert Says Hairdressers Could Help Spot Skin Cancer Early. July 1, 2025.
WDBJ7 featured The Closer Look Project's Hairdresser Dermatologic Detection Initiative — a program designed to empower hairdressers to become an additional line of defense in early skin cancer detection. The segment highlighted how hairdressers, who regularly see their clients' scalps and necks, are uniquely positioned to notice suspicious lesions that might otherwise go undetected.
The coverage explored how the initiative surveys hairdressers on their existing knowledge and willingness to learn, with the goal of developing targeted training and resources to help them identify potential concerns during routine appointments.
Fashionably Aware in the news! July 29, 2025.
Fashionably Aware was The Closer Look Project's first educational discussion with local business owners, focused on their role in health promotion and early skin cancer detection. Attendees learned practical ways to promote sun protection through their businesses — including guidance on SPF clothing, sun-safe fabrics and materials, and accessories like wide-brim hats that can be recommended directly to customers.
WDBJ7 covered the event, and reporter Leila Mitchell brought the story to the community. Check out the full news feature below.
Less Cancer to Train Beauty Professionals to Spot Early Signs of Skin Cancer. August 30, 2025.
Less Cancer, a national nonprofit dedicated to better cancer prevention and early detection, announced a partnership with The Closer Look Project to train beauty professionals to recognize early signs of skin cancer. The initiative expands the reach of skin cancer education into salons, barbershops, and personal care settings — spaces where professionals already build trusted relationships with their clients.
Caleb Runyon, The Closer Look Project, & Less Cancer. Radio Show featuring Caleb Runyon. September 2, 2025.
Founder Caleb Runyon joined the Less Cancer radio show to discuss The Closer Look Project's mission, the partnership with Less Cancer, and the broader effort to bring skin cancer awareness into personal care settings. Listen to the full episode below.