Mineola, NY - May 6, 2014 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves declared the month of May “Melanoma Awareness Month” in Nassau County.
“This Melanoma Awareness Month and all year along, I encourage residents to honor those we have lost to skin cancer and those who have survived this deadly disease by putting into daily practice the recommended preventive measures and early detection habits that have proven to save lives,” said County Executive Mangano.
Each year, more than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, the most common form of cancer. Melanoma causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma statistics from the American Cancer Society indicate that approximately 76,100 new individuals will be diagnosed in 2014 and approximately 9,710 citizens are expected to die of melanoma. The rates of melanoma have been rising over the last 30 years.
“Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and prevention is the best way to beat it,” said Legislator Gonsalves. “If recognized and treated early, skin cancer is nearly 100 percent curable. Be smart, get a head start, and get checked out today.”
Six practical steps can help protect the skin from the effects of the sun, including: covering up, using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily, wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, limiting direct sun exposure during midday; and avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps.
The Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign will be hosting their 10th Annual Miles for Melanoma 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 18th at Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park, Field 2, East Meadow. To find out more information, please visit ccmac.org.