'Prevention in the Park' Event Provides Free Skin Cancer Screenings
NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD) is encouraging New Yorkers to find out if they are at risk for the most
common form of cancer at Melanoma Monday "Prevention in the Park" 2003, a free
skin cancer screening in Manhattan's Bryant Park on Melanoma Monday, May 5.
Now in its ninth year, Melanoma Monday has been designated by the AAD as
"National Skin Self-Examination Day" in order to raise awareness about
melanoma and encourage Americans to begin a lifelong habit of regular skin
self-examinations.
The Melanoma Monday "Prevention in the Park" screening will be held from
noon - 4 p.m. at the Bryant Park Fountain Terrace adjacent to Sixth Avenue.
Participants will be screened by board-certified dermatologists, receive skin
cancer education materials and have an opportunity to have their photo taken
with a special UV-camera that will show the extent of existing sun damage on
their face.
The screening also kicks off Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention
Month, a national campaign to promote skin cancer awareness. Skin cancer
affects 1 in 5 Americans and approximately 1 million new cases are diagnosed
each year. Of these cases, approximately 91,900 are melanoma, which will
claim the lives of an estimated 7,600 people in 2003.
"Skin cancer can be prevented and, if detected early, has a 95 percent
cure rate. But the key word is early," said dermatologist Raymond L.
Cornelison, Jr., MD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology.
"Melanoma Monday 'Prevention in the Park' is being held to encourage everyone
to practice sun-safe behaviors and conduct regular skin self-examinations. We
hope New Yorkers will take advantage of this free screening opportunity."
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. To do a thorough exam, it's important to use both full-length and
hand-held mirrors so you can see the back of your head, your back and
buttocks. 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.
Additional free screenings will be conducted during the month of May and
throughout the year by nearly 2,000 dermatologists across the country. To
find a free skin cancer screening in your area, visit 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. For more information, contact the AAD at
1-888-462-DERM or http://www.aad.org .
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
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Related links:
http://www.aad.org
CONTACT:
Leigh Wagner of Public Communications Inc.,
+1-312-558-1770, or Kristin Lubeck of American Academy of
Dermatology, +1-847-240-1743
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