Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 46
CHAPTER 41
Relative to Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
May 21, 2007.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 46, Lieu.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
This measure would proclaim the month of May 2007, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and would encourage all Californians to make themselves and their families aware of the risk of skin cancer and the measures that can be taken to prevent it.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, Malignant melanoma, a serious skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells; and
WHEREAS, Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) is the most important and preventable cause of melanoma. Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune deficiencies. Malignant melanoma has also been linked to past sunburns and sun and tanning device exposure at younger ages; and
WHEREAS, Melanoma can affect men, women, and children; and
WHEREAS, The incidence of melanoma has doubled in the last 20 years, and it continues to rise faster than any other cancer in women, except for lung cancer. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer among people between 25 and 29 years of age, and experts estimate that if the present rate continues, soon melanoma will strike one in 70 Californians; and
WHEREAS, Early detection is crucial. There is a direct correlation between the detection of melanoma and the survival rate. If melanoma is detected and treated early and aggressively by a qualified medical professional, the cure rate is very high; and
WHEREAS, Melanoma in its early stages may only be detected by visual inspection. Dermatologists recommend regular self-examination of the skin to detect changes in its appearance, especially changes in existing moles or blemishes. Additionally, patients with risk factors should have a complete skin examination annually; and
WHEREAS, On Monday, May 7, 2007, the California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery engaged in its Eighth Annual Skin Cancer Awareness Day public health screening at the State Capitol Building, and in the seven preceding years, the society has screened nearly 2,000 persons, including constitutional officers, Members of the Legislature, members of the capitol community, and the general public; and
WHEREAS, The California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery has an outstanding record of service and leadership in advancing the cause of prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancers and diseases of the skin, and in its service to the capitol community and the people of the State of California, and is encouraged to continue its endeavors to expand these screening and detection efforts throughout the state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the month of May 2007, shall be recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in California, and that all Californians shall be encouraged to make themselves and their families aware of the risk of skin cancer as well as the measures that can be taken to prevent it; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.