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.