Newswise — ARLINGTON, Texas (Oct. 6, 2015) — This year, more than 2,400 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, will be diagnosed in Texas. In an effort to promote skin cancer prevention and detection, the American Academy of Dermatology and the Dallas Cowboys are teaming up to host free SPOTme® skin cancer screenings at Rally Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will be eligible to win autographed Cowboys memorabilia.

On average, one person dies from melanoma every hour, and it is estimated that the disease will claim 9,940 lives in the U.S. this year. However, when detected early, all skin cancer — including melanoma — is highly treatable. At Rally Day, Cowboys fans can receive a free SPOTme® skin cancer screening from a board-certified dermatologist.

“The Dallas Cowboys are thrilled to join forces with the Academy for the second straight year,” said Eric Sudol, vice president, corporate partnership sales and service, Dallas Cowboys. “Early detection of skin cancer is important, and this is a great opportunity for our fans to get their skin checked by a local dermatologist and learn more about skin cancer prevention and detection.”

Skin cancer can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender or race. Men ages 50 and older have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population, but it is also one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, so the Academy recommends that everyone protect themselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

“In a hot and sunny state like Texas, it’s important to remember that UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma,” said board-certified dermatologist Rajiv Nijhawan, MD, FAAD, assistant professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and director of the Parkland Memorial Hospital Skin Tumor Clinic. “You can protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. I also encourage you to get a free SPOTme® skin cancer screening on Rally Day and learn more about how you can monitor your skin for suspicious spots.”

For more information on skin cancer prevention and detection, visit SPOTme.org.

WHAT: SPOTme® skin cancer screenings WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.WHERE: AT&T Stadium,1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011 (Screenings will take place in a private booth on the sideline.)PRICE: Free with entry to Rally Day ###

Jennifer Allyn(847) 240-1730, [email protected]

Nicole DiVito(847) 240-1746, [email protected]

Amanda Jacobs(847) 240-1714, [email protected]

Kara Jilek(847) 240-1701, [email protected]

About SPOTme®The SPOTme® skin cancer screening program, supported by a grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb, is part of the Academy’s larger SPOT Skin Cancer™ initiative, a campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and care of skin cancer. Since 1985, Academy dermatologists have conducted more than 2.4 million free skin cancer screenings and have detected nearly 248,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 27,500 suspected melanomas. To learn more about the SPOTme® campaign and to find free skin cancer screenings near you, visit SPOTme.org.

About the American Academy of DermatologyHeadquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians 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; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) and YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).