Newswise — With one in five Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime, dermatologists, skin cancer survivors and their families and friends are asking everyone to tell “Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™” On Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 10 a.m., a 2.5-mile hike will be held at Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, located near Bee Cave Road and Highway 71 in Austin, Texas, to raise funds for SPOT Skin Cancer™, a campaign of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy). Proceeds raised through Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ will go toward skin cancer prevention and detection programs, including free SPOTme® skin cancer screenings and grants for shaded areas for outdoor play across the country.
“Skin cancer affects more Americans than any other cancer, yet most cases are preventable,” said Lindsey Hicks, MD, FAAD, one of the regional chairpersons for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! and a dermatologist at Scott & White Clinic – Round Rock. “It’s important for everyone to know the simple ways to protect their skin from the sun, including seeking shade, covering up and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. In addition, everyone should know their skin and bring anything unusual, growing or changing to a dermatologist’s attention.”
While skin cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early and treated properly, it can be deadly. On average, one American dies from melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – every hour.
“Join us in the fight against skin cancer by participating in Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! Your participation will help save lives by funding prevention and detection programs,” said Dr. Hicks. “Whether you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or you know someone who has, this is an opportunity to support our vision of a world without skin cancer.”
The Austin area event is one of six regional hikes being held in 2015. Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! began in 2014 when dermatologist and skin cancer survivor Dr. Ellen Marmur and others impacted by skin cancer climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for skin cancer awareness. Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! is part of the Academy’s SPOT Skin Cancer campaign to reduce mortality from, and the incidence of, skin cancer by educating the public about the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. Through the campaign, more than 2.4 million SPOTme skin cancer screenings have taken place, and more than 320 shade structure grants have been awarded to schools and community organizations across the U.S. To register for Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! or for more ways to prevent and detect skin cancer, visit www.aad.org/SCTAH.For more information, visit http://events.aad.org/site/TR?fr_id=1141&pg=entry
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About the American Academy of DermatologyHeadquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), 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 (Academy of Dermatology).
About Baylor Scott & White HealthBaylor Scott & White Health, the organization formed from the 2013 merger between Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare, is today the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state of Texas. With total assets of $9 billion* and serving a population larger than the state of Virginia, Baylor Scott & White Health has the vision and resources to provide its patients continued quality care while creating a model system for a dramatically changing health care environment. The organization now includes 49 hospitals, more than 800 access points, more than 5,800 active physicians, 35,000 employees and the Scott & White Health Plan. For More Information visit: BaylorScottandWhite.com* based on unaudited 2014 fiscal year statements# # #
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