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Dermatologists screen more than 1,300
people for Skin Cancer at Kentucky State
Fair
Newswise — More than 11,000 Americans die
each year from skin cancer. Yet when
detected early, skin cancer has a cure rate
of 99 percent. That’s why dermatologists
from the American Academy of Dermatology’s
National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening
Program conducted free skin cancer
screenings at the Kentucky State Fair in
Louisville, held Aug. 20-30, 2009.
“With its emphasis on agriculture, the fair
provided a great opportunity to reach
farmers who are at a high risk of skin
cancer due to overexposure from the sun’s
ultraviolet (UV) rays,” said dermatologist
David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the
American Academy of Dermatology.
“Research shows farmers are among the least
likely workers to receive a skin examination
by a physician, which makes free screenings
like this one extremely important.”
Twenty-one dermatologists, led by Timothy S.
Brown, MD, FAAD, of Louisville, volunteered
66 hours to screen 1,308 people for skin
cancer at the booth located in the Health
Horizons exhibit hall.
Through the screening, dermatologists
detected more than 315 suspicious lesions,
including seven suspected melanomas. In
addition, the following statistics were
gathered:
• 50% had never had their skin checked for
cancer by a dermatologist or other doctor in
the past.
• 67% had never been to a skin cancer
screening before.
• 54% would not have seen a doctor for their
skin even without this screening.
• 77% do not have a regular dermatologist.
Dermatologists have been conducting skin
cancer screenings in conjunction with the
Kentucky Cancer Program at the Kentucky
State Fair for 20 years.
The Academy’s national screening program
began in 1985 and to date Academy members
have conducted more than 1.9 million free
skin cancer screenings. More than 188,000
suspicious lesions have been detected,
including more than 21,500 suspected
melanomas.
Significantly more than 1 million cases of
skin cancer are diagnosed in the United
States each year. Current estimates are that
1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin
cancer in their lifetime. One American dies
of melanoma almost every hour (every 61
minutes).
For more information about skin cancer,
please visit the SkinCancerNet section of
www.SkinCarePhysicians.com, a Web
site developed by dermatologists that
provides patients with up-to-date
information on the treatment and management
of disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Visit
www.aad.org
to find a free skin cancer screening in your
area.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., 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 16,000 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
www.aad.org.
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