Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735 [email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]
EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 25, 2001
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS AND THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY LAUNCH ANNUAL INITIATIVE TO STRIKE OUT SKIN CANCER
NEW YORK (April 25, 2001) - The San Francisco Giants and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) are asking fans to step up to the plate and help strike out skin cancer by practicing sun-safe behavior and conducting skin self-examinations. The Giants 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 7.
Melanoma Monday, now in its seventh 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 third 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 Giants, 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 51,400 are melanoma, a cancer that claims 7,800 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 Ronald G. Wheeland, MD, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "By participating in the skin cancer screenings, the Giants 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 skin self-examination more than Giants pitcher Kirk Reuter, whose mother died of melanoma.
"I know firsthand how important prevention and early detection is to fighting this potentially deadly disease," Reuter 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 come out to the ballpark."
Like the Giants, 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 1.2 million screenings and have detected more than 116,000 suspicious lesions, including 15,150 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 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 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 (3376) or www.aad.org.
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