MD Dermatologists and Health Advocates Mark World Cancer Day- Feb 4

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer "Û¢ is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in young adults in the U.S and is on the rise. On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 1,500 new cases of melanoma were expected to be diagnosed in Maryland in 2013. However, most skin cancer can be cured if it is caught early and properly treated and can often be prevented by avoiding tanning devices.

To increase skin cancer awareness, members of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Maryland Dermatologic Society will provide free skin cancer screenings for legislators, their staff and the general public at the Maryland State Capitol building. Prior to the screenings, the Maryland ‘Save Your Skin’ coalition will hold a press conference on Lawyer’s Mall. The coalition has been working closely with the state legislature to prohibit the use of indoor tanning devices by minors. Sen. Jamie Raskin and Del. Kirill Reznik will present a proclamation signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to skin cancer survivors, Anna Renault and Brittany Cicala, proclaiming Feb 4. as Maryland Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention Day.

Evidence from several studies has shown that exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma as well as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Additionally, the risk of developing melanoma increases by 59% for individuals who started using tanning beds before age 35. Therefore, limiting teens’ access to indoor tanning is critical to preventing skin cancer. Former Miss Maryland Brittany Cicala began indoor tanning at age 17 for her prom, and by age 20 she was diagnosed with melanoma. She will share her story.
 
Dr. Laura Herrera, Deputy Secretary for Public Health, Del. Kirill Reznik, Dr. Jill Allbritton, Maryland Dermatologic Society and American Academy of Dermatology, Anna Renault, Skin Cancer Survivor and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Volunteer, and Former Miss Maryland 2006 and skin cancer survivor, Brittany Cicala spoke about the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection and and urged lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 410/ House Bill 310 to prohibit all minors from using tanning bed devices.