Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

WHEREAS, most people do not realize that the skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body and performs many essential tasks; and

WHEREAS, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year; one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime; and this year, it is estimated that there will be 121,840 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, diagnosed in the United States; and

WHEREAS, one person dies almost every hour from melanoma; and

WHEREAS, melanoma and other skin cancers are highly treatable if detected early; and

WHEREAS, the sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Dermatology’s Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month is a public education campaign designed to promote the prevention and early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers and; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma Monday, May 3, 2013, the American Academy of Dermatology’s premier skin cancer awareness event, encourages all Americans to find a free skin cancer screening through the AAD’s National Skin Cancer Screening Program and to Be Sun Smart:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2013 as

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

and May 3, 2013, as

Melanoma Monday

in the state of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 17th day of April 2013.

                        

Robert Bentley, Governor