Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730 [email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 24, 2002
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY AND ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS LAUNCH ANNUAL INITIATIVE TO STRIKE OUT SKIN CANCER
NEW YORK (April 24, 2002) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) are teaming up to help strike out skin cancer by practicing sun-safe behavior and conducting skin self-examinations. The Diamondbacks will demonstrate the importance of skin cancer prevention and detection when players, coaches, front office staff and family members are screened for skin cancer on Melanoma Monday, May 6.
Melanoma Monday, now in its eighth 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 fourth annual National Sports Skin Cancer Awareness Program, a public education campaign partnering 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 and is designed to raise awareness about skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. In addition to the Diamondbacks, 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 87,900 are melanoma, a cancer that claims 7,400 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 Paul English, MD, AAD member and Diamondbacks' team dermatologist.
"By participating in the skin cancer screenings, the Diamondbacks are serving as important role models for their fans. We encourage everyone to follow their lead by 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.
No one knows the importance of practicing sun-safe behavior and conducting skin self-examinations more than Shonda Schilling, wife of Arizona Diamondbacks' all-star pitcher Curt Schilling. Shonda was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in December of 1999. Now, more than two years and several surgeries later, she knows her life will never be the same.
"I know firsthand how important prevention and early detection is to fighting this potentially deadly disease," Schilling said. "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 are outdoors."
Like the Diamondbacks, consumers also can participate in skin cancer screenings throughout the year. Nearly 2,000 volunteer dermatologists across the country will offer free screenings at local hospitals, work places, health fairs and other locations. More information on free skin cancer screenings is available on the AAD's Web site at www.aad.org.
Since 1985, volunteer dermatologists have conducted more than 1.3 million screenings and have detected more than 160,000 suspicious lesions, including 15,550 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 sunburn.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 14,000 dermatologists 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; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
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