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
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY TEAMS WITH THE UNITED STATES SOCCER FOUNDATION FOR NEW PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVE
NEW YORK (April 24, 2002) -- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the U.S. Soccer Foundation are teaming up to promote sun safety through a new public awareness initiative entitled, "Make Sun Safety Your Goal." This unique partnership will raise awareness about the simple steps the public can take to prevent skin cancer -- whether they are a coach, a player, a parent, or a fan.
The charitable foundations of four Major League Soccer (MLS) teams will participate in the "Make Sun Safety Your Goal" program, which will be launched on May 12, 2002 in Washington, D.C. during the D.C. United game.
In addition to the D.C. United, the Chicago Fire on June 2, 2002, the Colorado Rapids on July 13, 2002, and the LA Galaxy on August 31, 2002, will also host their own programs. Soccer fans attending these games will receive sun-safe hats, sunglasses, stickers, bookmarks and autographed photos of players with sun safety tips. Prior to these games, Major League Soccer players and team mascots will visit youth soccer groups in their communities to distribute educational information and encourage the players and fans to practice sun safety.
"We applaud the U.S. Soccer Foundation for educating their players and their fans about the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention," said Fred F. Castrow, II, MD, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Since the game is often played outdoors during peak sun hours, this programprovides a unique opportunity to educate the public about the importance of sun safety."
"The U.S. Soccer Foundation is continually searching for opportunities to improve the health and safety of our players and fans, and we are pleased to partner with the American Academy of Dermatology to increase awareness of skin cancer," said Herb Giobbi, Executive Director of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. "This program will enable us to educate some of the 18 million people who play soccer about the dangers of the sun."
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed in the United States this year. It is estimated that 87,900 new cases of melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- will be diagnosed this year, a 4 percent increase from 2001. In addition, approximately 7,400 deaths will be attributed to melanoma in 2002. At this rate, one person dies of melanoma every hour.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The AAD recommends that soccer players follow these sun protection guidelines:* Apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 -- thirty minutes before kick off and reapply at halftime.* Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt under your uniform and high socks up to your knees.* Seek shade at halftime or while you are waiting to go into the game.* Use lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply after the first period.* No shadow-seek the shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, you're likely to sunburn.* REMEMBER, the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. * Know your skin! Examine your entire body regularly. If you find anything suspicious, see your dermatologist.
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. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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