CONTACT: Donna Stein
(847) 330 - 0101, ext. 341
E-mail: [email protected]
ROGER STAUBACH TO BE THE ONE MILLIONTH PERSON SCREENED FOR SKIN CANCER
ON MELANOMA MONDAY
SCHAUMBURG, IL (April 17, 1997) - Roger Staubach, the legendary Dallas
Cowboys quarterback, will be the one millionth person to be screened for
skin cancer as part of the American Academy of Dermatology's annual
national Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program. This event will be
marked by a special screening to take place on Melanoma Monday, May 5th,
at Texas Stadium.
Melanoma Monday was designed to raise awareness of malignant melanoma,
the most serious form of skin cancer, and encourage Americans to begin a
lifelong habit of regular skin self-examinations.
Melanoma Monday also marks the beginning of the 13th annual
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. During this month,
and throughout the year, over 3,000 volunteer dermatologists will be
offering free screenings for early skin cancers, including malignant melanoma.
These screenings will take place in local hospitals, worksites, health fairs,
and other designated sites.
Since the screening program began in 1985, more than 84,300 suspicious lesions, including approximately 12,100 suspected melanomas have been detected.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with
one million new cases diagnosed each year. It is predicted that in 1997,
there will be about 40,300 new cases of malignant melanoma, a 12%
increase from 1996. And there will be approximately 7,300 deaths attributed to
malignant melanoma in 1997.
Fortunately, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if
detected early. The American Academy of Dermatology urges everyone to
examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body
including your back, your scalp, soles of your feet, between your toes, even the
palms of your 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, see your dermatologist or personal physician immediately.
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