National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month -- May
1997
May has been designated National Melanoma/Skin Cancer
Detection and Prevention Month by the American Academy of
Dermatology. Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in the United States, the likelihood of cure is high if lesions are
detected and treated at an early stage. Skin cancer is more common
among persons with lightly pigmented skin (1). Basal cell and
squamous cell carcinomas affect men more often than women (2).
Among persons aged less than 40 years, women are more likely than
men to develop melanoma, and among those aged greater than or equal
to 40 years, men are more likely to develop melanoma (3). Exposure
to sunlight and excessive ultraviolet radiation increases the risk
for skin cancer. The risk for melanoma later in life is
substantially increased following one or more blistering sunburns
during childhood or the teenage years.
CDC's National Skin Cancer Prevention Education Program is
designed to help achieve the national health objectives for the
year 2000 for skin cancer prevention. One objective is to increase
to greater than or equal to 60% the proportion of persons of all
ages who limit sun exposure, use sunscreens and protective clothing
when exposed to sunlight, and avoid exposure to artificial sources
of ultraviolet light (e.g., sun lamps and tanning booths)
(objective 16.9).
Parents, health-care providers, schools, and community
organizations can develop and provide strategies that reinforce
sun-protection behaviors (e.g., staying out of direct sunlight or
timing outdoor activities for hours when ultraviolet light is less
intense) and change attitudes about exposure to the sun (e.g., the
opinion that a person looks more attractive with a tan).
Information about skin cancer is available from the National
Cancer Institute, telephone (800) 422-6237, and from the American
Cancer Society, telephone (800) 227-2345. Information about CDC's
cancer prevention and control program is available from the
World-Wide Web at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dcpc.
References
Harras A, Edwards BK, Blot WJ, Ries LAG, eds. Cancer rates and
risks. 4th ed. Bethesda, Maryland: US Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of
Health, 1996; DHHS publication no. (NIH)96-691.
American Academy of Dermatology. Burning issues: press
conference report. Schaumburg, Illinois: American Academy of
Dermatology, May 2, 1994.
Kosary CL, Ries LAG, Miller BA, Hankey BF, Harras A, Edwards BK,
eds. SEER cancer statistics review, 1973-1992: tables and
graphs.
Bethesda, Maryland: US Department of Health and Human Services,
Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, 1995; DHHS
publication no. (NIH)96-2789.
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