Published on May 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 22, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Lapides
703-837-3697
katie.lapides@preventcancer.org
ALEXANDRIA, VA —The Prevent Cancer Foundation — the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to the prevention of cancer since 1985 — thanks Governor Mark Parkinson for proclaiming Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Kansas.
“The Foundation applauds Governor Parkinson for recognizing the importance that skin cancer awareness has to Kansans and all Americans. By encouraging Kansans to be practical in their sun protection, hopefully will lead to fewer cases of skin cancer in the state,” explained Carolyn Aldigé, president and founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “With skin cancer cases on the rise, it is important that citizens of all ages take proactive steps to reduce the harmful effects of the sun while still enjoying the outdoor activities Kansas has to offer.”
“Kansans know the fun that can be had outdoors; unfortunately, like many Americans, too few recognize that overexposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer.” said Governor Parkinson. “The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and when detected in its earliest stages, can often be cured. That’s why the Prevent Cancer Foundation is so important; by raising awareness around this issue they can prevent cancer and promote treatment.”
According to the American Cancer Society, skin Cancer affects over a million Americans annually. More than 68,000 cases of melanoma are estimated to be diagnosed in 2009—over 500 of those cases in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health. Simple lifestyle choices have shown to help reduce your risk for skin cancer, such as avoiding sun exposure or seeking shade between 10am and 4pm; always wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, even on cloudy days and remembering to reapply; wearing sun protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat, sun protective sunglasses and tight weaved clothing. For more information and skin cancer prevention and early detection please visitwww.preventcancer.org.
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About Prevent Cancer Foundation
The Prevent Cancer Foundation was started in 1985. Today, it is one of the nation’s leading health organizations and has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence. Through healthy lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, prostate, skin and testicular cancers.
Since its inception, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has provided more than $106 million in support of cancer prevention and early detection research, education and community outreach programs across the country. The Foundation’s peer-reviewed grants have been awarded to nearly 400 scientists from more than 150 of the leading academic medical centers nationwide. This research has been pivotal in developing a body of knowledge that is the basis for important cancer prevention and early detection strategies. For more information, visit www.preventcancer.org.
