National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, May
1996
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has designated May
as National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. In
1996, an estimated 1 million cases of skin cancer will be
diagnosed, of which approximately 95% will be squamous cell or
basal cell carcinomas (1). Although the incidence of melanoma is
lower than those of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas, the
case-fatality rate is highest for persons with melanoma. During
1973-1992, mortality from melanoma increased 34% -- the third
highest
increase of all cancers (2).
CDC, in collaboration with the AAD, has initiated the National
Skin Cancer Prevention Education Program (NSCPEP) to increase
public awareness about skin cancer and to help reduce the
occurrence of and deaths associated with skin cancer. Goals of this
program are to develop and disseminate educational messages for
children, their parents, and other caregivers; develop guidelines
for school curricula; evaluate the utility and value of the
ultraviolet (UV) index; and develop educational messages for
health-care providers.
Additional information about this month and the NSCPEP is
available from the AAD, 930 North Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL
60173-4965, and from CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and
Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, by telephone ({770} 488-4751), by e-mail
(ccdinfo@ccdod1.em.cdc.gov), or on the Internet World Wide Web
(http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dcpc/dcpchome.htm).
References
Miller DL, Weinstock MA. Nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United
States: incidence. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;30:774-8.
CDC. Deaths from melanoma -- United States, 1973-1992. MMWR
1995;44:337,343-7.
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