Monday, May 7, 2012

Screen the Ones You Love



May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and this May the American Academy of Dermatology hopes that in addition to brunch and flowers you’ll honor Mom (and next month Dad) with a skin cancer screening. 

Based on current estimates more than 2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer annually.  You may think that’s a small number based on total population, but the fact is 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  Not to use an obvious scare tactic, but think about  how many loved ones you have. 

Unfortunately, even with awareness campaigns, incidence rates of melanoma among whites have been increasing 3 percent per year since 2004.  And although before age 40, melanoma rates are higher in women than men, after 40, the rates are almost twice as high in men.  The good news is that the 5 year survival rate for those who catch and treat it before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent. 

To minimize the risk of skin cancer, make sure your parents and loved ones understand their risk factors and methods of prevention.  If, however, you’d like to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day as well, we are having a special.  Buy a $150 gift certificate and get a $50 gift certificate for free. 

Happy Mother’s Day!

No comments:

Post a Comment