LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2016, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Gover-
nor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Melanoma Month and National Melanoma Monday, May 2, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The American Academy of Dermatology has designated National
Melanoma Monday to raise awareness about skin cancer; many events have
been planned focused on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and
skin cancer screening and resources; and
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; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, according to the American Cancer Society, it is
anticipated that approximately 76,690 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 9,480 deaths attributable to malignant melanoma
and other skin cancers in 2016; 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 30, applying it 15-30 minutes before
going into the sun, and re-applying it every two hours and after swim-
ming 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 too, 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, This Legislative Body affirms its commitment to promote an
environment which supports and encourages vigorous research activities,
and the institutions engaged in those activities, to further skin cancer
research; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body also reaffirms its commitment to foster
efforts directed at the advancement of detection, diagnosis, and treat-
ment of skin cancer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2016, as Skin
Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York, to be observed in
conjunction with National Melanoma Month and National Melanoma Monday,
May 2, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.