CONTACT:
John O'Brien
(847) 330 - 0101, ext. 339
E-mail - [email protected]
MELANOMA MONDAY 1998: NATIONAL SKIN SELF-EXAMINATION DAY
SCHAUMBURG, IL (April 29, 1998) -- Monday, May 4th, is the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD) fourth annual Melanoma Monday. If detected early, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has an excellent chance of being cured. Therefore, Melanoma Monday, 1998, has been designated "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. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with about one million new cases diagnosed each year. It is predicted that in 1998, there will be about 41,600 new cases of melanoma. And there will be approximately 7,300 deaths attributed to melanoma in 1998. Fortunately, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if detected early. The AAD urges everyone to examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body including your back, your scalp, soles of your feet, between your toes, even the palms of your 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, see your dermatologist or personal physician immediately.
Melanoma Monday also marks the beginning of the 14th annual Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. During May, and throughout the year, over 3,000 volunteer dermatologists will be offering free screenings for early skin cancers, including melanoma. These screenings will take place in local hospitals, worksites, health fairs, and other designated sites. Since 1985, over 1,026,000 screenings have been conducted and over 91,300 suspicious lesions, including approximately 12,350 suspected melanomas have been detected.
The American Academy of Dermatology is the world's largest organization of dermatologists with over 11,500 members.
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