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
UNITED AIRLINES EMPLOYEES SCREENED FOR SKIN CANCER BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY ON MELANOMA MONDAY
NEW YORK (April 24, 2002) -- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) will partner with United Airlines to screen its employees for skin cancer at its corporate headquarters in Elk Grove, Ill., and its hub at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago 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 6.
Melanoma Monday, now in its eighth 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. The screenings at United Airlines' corporate headquarters and O'Hare are the first of an on-going campaign to offer skin cancer screenings to United Airlines' employees throughout the country.
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 87,900 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2002 and approximately 7,400 deaths will be attributed to melanoma this year. At this rate, one person dies of melanoma every hour.
"We applaud United Airlines for recognizing the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention and for educating their employees on this important public health threat," said Fred F. Castrow II, MD, President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "By participating in our national Melanoma Monday skin cancer screening, United Airlines pilots and employees will serve as role models to the public to practice regular skin self-exams and sun safe behaviors."
"We view melanoma/skin cancer as a significant health concern for our employees," said Star Ebbole, a Manager at United Airlines Medical Department. "Therefore, we are grateful to the American Academy of Dermatology in partnering with us to create employee and public awareness as well as promote early detection."
Melanoma Monday also marks the beginning of the 18th 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 1.3 million screenings and detected over 160,000 suspicious lesions, including 15,500 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 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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