Help set a Guinness World Record by getting a free skin cancer screening

Newswise — More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and an estimated 10,710 people will die of skin cancer in 2006. Yet if detected early, skin cancer averages a cure rate of 95 percent. That’s why on Saturday, May 6, 2006, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) is working with member dermatologists throughout the country to attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most people screened for skin cancer in a single day.

“Our Guinness World Record attempt is aimed at generating even more public awareness about the importance of early detection of skin cancer,” said dermatologist Stephen P. Stone, M.D., president of the Academy. “The earlier you can detect the skin cancer, the better your chances of successful treatment.”

On Saturday, May 6, in an attempt to screen 5,606 people to set the Guinness World Record, the Academy is hosting four screenings in Chicago at Navy Pier, in New York City at the South Street Seaport, in Washington, D.C., at Union Station Mall and in Orlando at Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort.

Additionally, Academy members will offer free screenings at 200 sites throughout the country on that day. To find a screening in your area, visit http://www.aad.org/worldrecord  or call 1-888-462-DERM (3376).

Nearly 2,000 dermatologists volunteer year-round across the country to offer free screenings to the general public. Since 1985, dermatologists have screened more than 1.6 million people at no cost and detected more than 162,300 suspicious lesions, including approximately 19,000 suspected melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer.

These free skin cancer screenings not only emphasize the importance of early detection, but also how to prevent skin cancer with proper sun safety. “Everyone, regardless of age or skin type, needs to be careful before spending time in the sun,” said Dr. Stone. Dr. Stone also noted that sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

The Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun SmartSM by following these tips:

• Generously apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

• Seek Shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

• Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

May 1 is Melanoma Monday and the launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. For more information about skin cancer, please visit www.skincarephysicians.com  and click on “SkinCancerNet.”

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians 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; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.