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
THE WEATHER CHANNEL EMPLOYEES SCREENED FOR SKIN CANCER BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY ON MELANOMA MONDAY
NEW YORK (April 25, 2001) - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) will partner with The Weather Channel to screen its employees for skin cancer at The Weather Channel's corporate headquarters in Atlanta as part of the AAD's annual Melanoma Monday. AAD members will volunteer their time to participate in this special screening on Melanoma Monday, May 7.
Melanoma Monday, now in its seventh year, has been designated "National Skin Self-Examination Day" in order to raise awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and to encourage Americans to begin a lifelong habit of regular skin self-examinations.
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 each year. It is estimated that 51,400 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - in 2001, a 9 percent increase from 2000. In addition, approximately 7,800 deaths will be attributed to melanoma in 2001. At this rate, one person dies of melanoma every hour.
This year, The Weather Channel will launch a national multi-year campaign designed to heighten public awareness about the dangers of overexposure to the sun. Since its inception in 1982, The Weather Channel has been committed to providing consumers with valuable educational information on weather-related issues - including regular updates on the UV Index and sun safety tips.
"We applaud The Weather Channel for educating their employees and their viewers about the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention," said Ronald G. Wheeland, MD, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "By participating in our national Melanoma Monday skin cancer screening, The Weather Channel employees will serve as role models to the public to practice regular skin self-exams and sun safe behaviors." "The Weather Channel is constantly looking for ways to improve the health and safety of our employees and consumers, and we are pleased to partner with the American Academy of Dermatology on Melanoma Monday to raise awareness of skin cancer detection and prevention," said Decker Anstrom, CEO of The Weather Channel. "Since skin cancer is directly linked to the sun, providing this service is a natural fit for The Weather Channel."
Melanoma Monday also marks the beginning of the 17th annual Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. During May, and throughout the year, nearly 2,000 volunteer dermatologists will be offering free screenings for early skin cancers, including melanoma. These screenings will take place at local hospitals, work places, health fairs and other designated sites. Consumers who want to find a screening in their area can visit the AAD's web site at www.aad.org for a list of dermatologists conducting free skin cancer screenings.
Since 1985, volunteer dermatologists have conducted more than 1.2 million screenings and have detected more than 116,000 suspicious lesions, including approximately 15,150 suspected melanomas.
The AAD urges everyone to examine their skin regularly. This means looking over your entire body including your back, your scalp, the soles of your feet, between your toes, and 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.
In addition, the AAD recommends that everyone practice the Academy's sun protection guidelines, including avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, and wearing sun-protective clothing. And, don't forget the "Shadow Rule" - if your shadow is shorter than you are, the damaging rays of the sun 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 or www.aad.org.
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