A Joint Resolution designating May of each year as "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month," and the first Monday in May as "Melanoma Monday" in New Jersey.

Whereas, Skin cancer occurs when ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds damages skin cells, and triggers mutations that cause the cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors; and

Whereas, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million new cases diagnosed each year; and

Whereas, It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetimes; and

Whereas, Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin disease; and

Whereas, The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2014, 76,100 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States, and 9,710 people will die from melanoma; and

Whereas, Melanomas, which often resemble moles and are about the size of a pencil eraser, can be recognized by their asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and evolving size, shape, and color; and

Whereas, Melanoma is almost always curable if it is recognized and treated early, but if melanoma is not detected, it can spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes harder to treat and is often fatal; and

Whereas, Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old; and

Whereas, A person's risk for developing melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns, and triples if the person occasionally uses a tanning bed; and

Whereas, Even one indoor tanning session increases the user's chance of developing melanoma by 20 percent, and each additional session during the same year increases the user's risk by another two percent; and

Whereas, A person also has a higher chance of developing melanoma if he or she has a large number of moles, fair skin, a weakened immune system, or a personal or family history of melanoma; and

Whereas, The National Cancer Institute estimated that the cost of treating melanoma in 2010 was $2.36 billion; and

Whereas, These costs will continue to rise, as incidences of melanoma climb nearly two percent annually in the United States, and five percent annually in New Jersey; and

Whereas, People can significantly reduce their chances of developing melanoma by limiting their time in the sun when rays are most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15; and

Whereas, People are also advised to examine their skin regularly for the warning signs of melanoma, and to see their physicians annually for a professional skin exam; and

Whereas, Greater recognition of the dangers of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, and of the importance of preventative measures and early detection, is needed among all residents of the State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The month of May each year shall be designated as "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and the first Monday of May each year shall be designated "Melanoma Monday," in order to recognize the dangers of melanoma and other skin cancers and to promote prevention and early detection among residents of the State.

2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation recognizing May as "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month" and the first Monday in May as "Melanoma Monday," and shall call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month and day with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution would designate May of each year as "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month," and the first Monday in May of each year as "Melanoma Monday," in order to recognize the dangers of melanoma and other skin cancers and to promote prevention and early detection.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million new cases diagnosed each year. Skin cancer occurs when ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds damages skin cells, and triggers mutations that cause the cells to multiply rapidly to form tumors. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetimes. Of the various types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most dangerous, and is the leading cause of death from skin disease. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2014, 76,100 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S., and 9,710 people will die from melanoma. In 2010, the cost of treating melanoma in the U.S. was $2.36 billion.

Melanomas, which often resemble moles the size of a pencil eraser, can be recognized by their asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and evolving size, shape, and color. Melanoma is almost always curable if it is recognized and treated early, but if melanoma is not detected, it can spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes harder to treat and is often fatal. Residents can reduce their chances of developing melanoma by limiting their time in the sun when rays are most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. People are also advised to regularly examine their skin, and to see their physicians annually for a professional skin exam.

This joint resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month" and "Melanoma Monday" with appropriate activities and programs.