June 15, 2009 

Comptroller Weitzman joins with

Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign to educate everyone under the sun

Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman is joining with the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign to educate everyone about sun safety tips and the importance of yearly skin exams to check for melanomas.

"According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and it is increasing faster than any other form of cancer,” Comptroller Weitzman said. “Skin cancer is for the most part, preventable and education is a good first step.”

To help with the education about skin cancers, the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC) was formed in 1998 by Colette and Patrick Coyne of New Hyde Park following the death of their daughter, also named Colette, of melanoma at the age of 29.

Some facts about melanoma from the CCMAC

·  More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually.

·  It is estimated that one American dies every hour from skin cancer.

·  Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

·  One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

Melanoma is often misdiagnosed in the African Americans and when a correct diagnosis does occur, it is usually during the later stages of the disease.African Americans' risk is about 20% less than Caucasians for deadly melanomahowever their mortality rate is higher. While the melanin in their skin does protect them more, unfortunately they are often diagnosed with melanoma at a later stage.

The proper use and application of sun screen is paramount, said Ms. Coyne, founder of the CCMAC. However, sunscreen is not always used or applied correctly.

 “Sunscreen should be slopped on”, she said. “When individuals rub it in, instead of getting a 30 SPF they may only be getting 5 or 10. You should be able to see the sunscreen and then let the skin absorb it for it to be protective,” she said. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours because it washes off in the water or with sweat. People should not rely on sunscreen alone, the CCMAC states.Wide brim hats, sunglasses and protective clothing are a must especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sun protective clothing, specifically designed for sun protection and produced from a fabric rated for its level of ultraviolet (UV) protection, is also available.

The CCMAC also recommends doing a monthly self body check.

"Know your skin,” Ms. Coyne said. “Anything new or changing should be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible.”

           For more information about the dangers of skin cancer, or for more information, please call the CCMAC at www.ccmac.org or call 516-352-4227.