Senate Resolution No. 5233

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, 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 7, 2018; 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 2018, 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 2018; 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
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 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
treatment 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 2018, 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 7, 2018; and be it further

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