Contact: [Your Name] [Telephone] [Email address]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DERMATOLOGISTS ASK, ‘WHO’S GOT YOUR BACK?’ Find a partner for skin cancer prevention, detection
[Your city, state, (date)] — May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and dermatologists are asking the public to consider “Who’s Got Your Back?” when it comes to skin cancer prevention and detection.
It is currently estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour. Research has shown that the back is the most common location for melanoma, and that more advanced melanomas are more frequently found on parts of the body that can’t easily be self-inspected, like the back.
Board-certified dermatologist [your name and affiliation] suggests finding a partner to help you apply sunscreen to your back and to examine the skin on your back for suspicious spots.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most preventable risk factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, so it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including the back.
“Applying sunscreen to your back can be difficult, so it’s best to ask someone else for help,” Dr. [your name] says. “You also can take other steps to protect your back from the sun, like seeking shade or wearing protective clothing.”
Skin cancer is highly curable when detected early and treated properly, so it’s also important to perform regular skin self-exams, checking your entire body, including the back, for signs of skin cancer.
“It’s not easy to examine your own back, so ask someone you trust to check it for suspicious spots,” Dr. [your name] says. “If you or your partner notice any spots that are different than the others, or anything that’s changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment with a board- certified dermatologist.”
In addition to evaluating suspicious spots on your skin, a dermatologist can teach you how to perform a skin self-exam and share sun protection tips. [IF APPLICABLE: American Academy of Dermatology members also periodically host free SPOTme® skin cancer screenings in their communities. Dr. [your name] will host a screening at [time] [date] at [location].]
SPOT Skin Cancer™ is the American Academy of Dermatology’s campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and care of skin cancer. For more information, visit the Academy website SpotSkinCancer.org . Who’s Got Your Back? Page 2 of 2
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Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) or YouTube (Academy of Dermatology).