LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 2013, as Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues
that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2013 as Skin Cancer Detection and
Prevention Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United
States, affecting members of every racial and ethnic population in both
New York State and the rest of the country; and
WHEREAS, Skin cancer will affect one in five Americans during their
lifetime; nearly 800,000 Americans live with a history of melanoma and
13 million live with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer; and
WHEREAS, Although the exact number of skin cancer cases is difficult
to approximate, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated
3.5 million people were diagnosed and 2.2 million were treated for the
disease in 2006; this year 82,770 new cases are predicted, 4,200 of
which will occur in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Despite accounting for less than five percent of all skin
cancer cases, melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer deaths;
approximately 76,690 persons are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma
in this year in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Melanoma incidence rates have been rising for at least 30
years; women younger than the age of 40 develop melanoma at twice the
rate of men; however, after the age of 40, the rate is higher in men,
increasing to three times that of women after the age of 80; and
WHEREAS, Skin cancer will cost the lives of an estimated 12,650 people
in 2013; and
WHEREAS, Risk factors for all types of skin cancer include frequent
unprotected exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays caused by both the
sun and tanning beds, as well as genetic factors such as skin type and
tolerance to sunburn; for melanoma, a personal or family history of the
disease, as well as the presence of atypical or numerous moles are major
risk factors; and
WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is
detected early, before spreading to other parts of the body is 98%;
however, the survival rate falls to 15% for those with advanced disease;
and
WHEREAS, Skin cancer is a highly curable disease when treated early;
thus preventing progression towards the disease's latter stages should
be of utmost concern; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness and education among all stakeholders,
including federal and state governments, patient groups, medical
researchers, community leaders and organizers, the public and busi-
nesses, is critical to promote the prevention, 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 2013 as Skin Cancer
Detection and Prevention Month in the State of New York; 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.