Missy Gough
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Karen Klickmann
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Jennifer Gale
(847) 240-1730
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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX LAUNCH INITIATIVE TO STRIKE OUT SKIN CANCER
(NEW YORK, April 26, 2000) -- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Chicago White Sox are teaming up to help strike out skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. White Sox players, coaches, families and front office staff will be screened for skin cancer on Melanoma Monday, May 1.
Melanoma Monday, now in its sixth year, has been designated by the AAD as "National Skin Self-Examination Day" in order to raise awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and encourage Americans to begin a lifelong habit of regular skin self-examinations.
The screening also marks the beginning of the second annual National Sports Skin Cancer Awareness Program, a public education campaign involving the AAD with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. The campaign encourages baseball players and their fans to Play Smart When It Comes to the Sun. The program is designed to raise awareness about skin cancer and offer detection and prevention tips. In addition to the White Sox, Major League Baseball teams throughout the country will be screened for skin cancer during the season by local dermatologists in their areas.
Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 Americans, and more than 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 47,700 are melanoma, a cancer that claims 7,700 lives each year. Skin cancer is a threat particularly for professional baseball players and their fans because of the many hours spent in the midday sun, a major risk factor for developing the disease.
"Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect in its earliest stages because the signs are right there on the surface of the skin," said Richard K. Scher, MD, FACP, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "By participating in the skin cancer screenings, the White Sox are helping serve as role models for practicing sun-safe behaviors and conducting skin self-examinations."
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. 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.
"The White Sox understand the importance of prevention and early detection of skin cancer," said Christine Makowski, Director of Community Relations, Chicago White Sox. "We hope our fans also understand its importance and protect themselves and their families from the dangers of the sun by wearing sunscreen and hats when they come out to the ballpark."
Like the White Sox, consumers also can participate in skin cancer screenings beginning Melanoma Monday and throughout the year. Nearly 2,000 volunteer dermatologists across the country will offer free screenings at local hospitals, workplaces, health fairs and other locations. More information on free skin cancer screenings is available on the AAD's Web site at http://www.aad.org.
Since 1985, volunteer dermatologists have conducted more than 1.2 million screenings and have detected more than 107,000 suspicious lesions, including 14,000 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;
-- 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 burn.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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