NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arizona Diamondbacks and the
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) are teaming up to help strike out skin
cancer by practicing sun-safe behavior and conducting skin self-examinations.
The Diamondbacks will demonstrate the importance of skin cancer prevention and
detection when players, coaches, front office staff and family members are
screened for skin cancer on Melanoma Monday, May 5.
Melanoma Monday, now in its ninth year, has been designated by the AAD as
"National Skin Self-Examination Day" in order to raise awareness about
melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and encourage Americans to begin
a lifelong habit of regular skin self-examinations.
The screening also marks the beginning of the fifth annual National Sports
Skin Cancer Awareness Program, a public education campaign partnering the AAD
with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
The campaign encourages baseball players and their fans to Play Smart When It
Comes to the Sun and is designed to raise awareness about skin cancer, the
most common form of cancer in the United States. In addition to the
Diamondbacks, Major League Baseball teams throughout the country will be
screened for skin cancer during the season by local dermatologists in their
areas.
Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans, and more than 1 million new cases
are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 91,900 are melanoma, a
cancer that claims 7,600 lives each year. Skin cancer is a threat
particularly for professional baseball players and their fans because of the
many hours spent in the midday sun, a major risk factor for developing the
disease.
"Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect in its earliest
stages because the signs are right there on the surface of the skin," said
dermatologist Paul English, MD, AAD member and Diamondbacks' team
dermatologist. "By participating in the skin cancer screenings, the
Diamondbacks are serving as important role models for their fans. We
encourage everyone to follow their lead by practicing sun-safe behaviors and
conducting skin self-examinations."
Skin self-examinations consist of regularly looking over the entire body,
including the back, scalp, soles of feet, between the toes and on the palms of
the hands. If there are any changes in the size, color, shape or texture of a
mole, the development of a new mole, or any other unusual changes in the skin,
you should see your dermatologist immediately.
No one knows the importance of practicing sun-safe behavior and conducting
skin self-examinations more than Shonda Schilling, wife of Arizona
Diamondbacks' all-star pitcher Curt Schilling. Shonda was diagnosed with
melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in December of 1999. Now, more
than three years and several surgeries later, she is committed to increasing
skin cancer awareness and promoting sun safety.
"I know firsthand how important prevention and early detection is to
fighting this potentially deadly disease," Schilling said. "We hope our fans
also understand its importance by examining their own skin for signs of skin
cancer and protecting themselves and their families from the dangers of the
sun by wearing sunscreen and hats when they are outdoors."
Like the Diamondbacks, the public also can participate in skin cancer
screenings throughout the year. Nearly 2,000 volunteer dermatologists across
the country will offer free screenings at local hospitals, work places, health
fairs and other locations. More information on free skin cancer screenings is
available on the AAD's web site at http://www.aad.org .
Since 1985, dermatologists have conducted more than 1.3 million screenings
and have detected more than 122,000 suspicious lesions, including 14,400
suspected melanomas.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk for melanoma. The AAD
recommends that everyone follow these sun protection guidelines: Avoid outdoor
activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest;
Seek shade whenever possible; Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and re-apply every two hours; Wear
sun-protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and
sunglasses; and Follow the "Shadow Rule" -- if your shadow is shorter than you
are, the sun's damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to
sunburn.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most
influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed
to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of
the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice,
education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care
for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information,
contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org .
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
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Related links:
http://www.aad.org
CONTACT:
Karen Klickmann, +1-847-240-1735,
kklickmann@aad.org , Jennifer Allyn, +1-847-240-1730,
jallyn@aad.org , or Kristin Lubeck, +1-847-240-1743,
klubeck@aad.org , all of American Academy of Dermatology
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