3rd ANNUAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS WALK RETURNS TO ELK GROVE VILLAGE SEPTEMBER 28
Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago brings together dermatologists, skin cancer survivors and local residents to raise funds for skin cancer prevention and detection programs
Newswise — ROSEMONT, Ill. (Sept. 24, 2019) — Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime. To help raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection, the American Academy of Dermatology will host Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago on Sat., Sept. 28 in Elk Grove Village. The scenic, four-mile walk at Busse Woods—part of the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to create a world without skin cancer—will benefit skin cancer prevention and detection programs, including free skin cancer screenings, sunscreen dispensers, and permanent shade structures where children learn and play.
The family and pet-friendly walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at aad.org/ILHike and can sign up as a team captain, join a team, or register to walk as an individual. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to learn about skin cancer and enjoy on-site activities, including music, face-painting for kids, and chances to win prizes.
“There has never been a greater need to join in the fight against skin cancer, which affects more Americans than any other cancer,” said board-certified dermatologist George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, FAAD, president of the AAD. “This hike will help raise funds for life-saving prevention and detection programs while educating participants about how to reduce their skin cancer risk.”
It is estimated that more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—every day. In Illinois alone, it is estimated that there will be 3,750 new cases of melanoma this year.
Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ is part of the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to reduce mortality from and the incidence of skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. Thanks to the campaign’s dedicated donors and hikers, Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ has helped provide nearly 370,000 free skin cancer screenings for the public and built nearly 120 shade structures that protect as many as 1.8 million people daily.
“By raising awareness through this hike, we want to remind everyone that most cases of skin cancer are preventable by protecting yourself from the sun,” said Dr. Hruza. “Join us in the fight against skin cancer by participating in this hike and protecting yourself and your family by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors.”
Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ – Chicago is generously supported by national sponsors Henry Schein Medical, Dermstore, The Allergan Foundation, and Marmur Metamorphosis, as well as local sponsors Castle Biosciences, Derick Dermatology, Arlington Dermatology, and Lakeside Dermatology.
In addition to the Chicago event, Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™ will include two more fundraising hikes in 2019:
- Sunday, Oct. 6 – Phoenix
- Saturday, Nov. 9 – Los Angeles
To learn more about Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! ™ or to donate, visit www.aad.org/SCTAH.
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Contacts
Nicole Dobkin, (847) 240-1746, [email protected]
Cristina Mutchler, (847) 240-1714, [email protected]
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, 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 20,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD 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 AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), Instagram (@AADskin1), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).
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