Declare Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 2622 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Melanoma Month and National Melanoma Monday, May 4, 2020; and WHEREAS, The American Academy of Dermatology has designated National Melanoma Monday to raise awareness about skin cancer; many events have been planned focused on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and skin cancer screening and resources; and WHEREAS, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with about 1.3 million new cases diagnosed each year; according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence and mortality of skin cancer have increased exponentially during the past several decades and every year the figure mounts; and WHEREAS, One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime; and WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, it is anticipated that this year approximately 76,690 new cases of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States; and WHEREAS, It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that there will be approximately 9,480 deaths attributable to malignant melanoma and other skin cancers in 2018; and WHEREAS, Over one million new cases will be basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which have a better than 98 percent cure rate if detected early; and WHEREAS, The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when its rays are the strongest; and WHEREAS, The American Cancer Society recommends that when people are out in the sun, they should wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants; and WHEREAS, It is also suggested that people use a sunscreen product with a sun protection factor of at least 30, applying it 15-30 minutes before going into the sun, and re-applying it every two hours and after swimming or sweating, and discarding any product that may be over a year old unless there is an expiration date; and WHEREAS, It is important to realize that one must be wary of cloudy days too, because it is still possible to get burned; and WHEREAS, The sun's rays can reach through three feet of water; and WHEREAS, The American Academy of Dermatology urges everyone to examine their skin regularly, since most skin cancers can be cured if detected early; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body affirms its commitment to promote an environment which supports and encourages vigorous research activities, and the institutions engaged in those activities, to further skin cancer research; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body also reaffirms its commitment to foster efforts directed at the advancement of detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2020, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, to be observed in conjunction with National Melanoma Month and National Melanoma Monday,