LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 2010 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New
York

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 life-
time; over 2,600 new skin melanoma cases are diagnosed every year in New
York State alone; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is
anticipated that about 62,480 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 8,520 deaths attributable to malignant melanoma
and other skin cancers in 2010; 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 15, applying it 15-30 minutes before
going into the sun, and re-applying it 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, 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, The New York State Legislature affirms its commitment to
promote an environment that supports and encourages vigorous research
activities, and the institutions engaged in those activities, to further
skin cancer research; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature 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 David A. Paterson to proclaim May 2010 as Skin
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, to be observed in
conjunction with National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention
Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.