"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today issued a proclamation declaring May as “Melanoma Awareness Month” in Nassau County. The County Executive was joined by Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves as well as county employees and supporters of the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign to promote increased public awareness about the risk factors and warning signs associated with melanoma and other cancers of the skin.

“Incidence rates for the deadly skin cancer melanoma continue to rise at an alarming rate among men and women in the United States despite skin cancer being one of the more preventable types of cancer,” said County Executive Mangano. “Today, Nassau County joins in the effort to combat the rise in melanoma by alerting its residents to the ongoing dangers of exposing the skin to excess sun and damaging UV light. During the month of May, I encourage everyone across Nassau County to honor those we have lost to skin cancer and those who have survived this deadly disease by putting into daily practice the recommended preventive measures and early detection habits that have been proven to save lives.”

Skin cancer and melanoma account for approximately half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Melanoma is by far the most serious cancer of the skin, responsible for more than 75% of skin cancer deaths. Last year, an estimated 68,000 new melanomas were diagnosed in the United States and approximately 8,700 patients died of melanoma.

“More awareness-building efforts like today are needed to alert the public to the increasing cases of melanoma afflicting our communities and the preventive steps that can be taken to protect against the disease,” said Legislator Norma Gonsalves. “Melanoma Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to remind our residents that the best way to enjoy the sun this summer is to BE SUN SMART® regarding its dangers and lowering your risk of skin cancer through the use of sunscreens as well as wearing protective clothing and sunglasses.”

“At the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign we are committed to increasing public awareness of the dangers and causes of skin cancer/melanoma as well as promoting and reinforcing the early education of our youth, families and the community in the preventive habits that combat this disease,” said Colette Coyne co-founder of CCMAC. “We are grateful to be joined by County Executive Mangano and Legislator Gonsalves in spreading our sun safety messages to more people across Nassau County in an effortto promote early diagnosis through screenings andhelp change behavior when it comes to protecting themselves from the harmfuleffects of UV exposure. As a member of the National Council for Skin Cancer Prevention wejoinmembers of the Council across the countryproclaiming ‘Don't Fry Day’ the Friday of Memorial Day Weekendpromoting UV safety duringincreased outdoor activitiesof the summer season.”

Dr. Maria Carney, Commissioner of the Department of Health stated “Protecting oneself from the long term effects of sun exposure will help prevent skin damage and skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly of skin cancers. The best way to protect yourself is to cover your skin by slipping on a cover/shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat - slip, slop, slap. Obtain a yearly skin evaluation. Protect yourself and prevent disease.”

Unlike many other common cancers, melanoma has a wide age distribution, occurring in younger as well as older people. 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. 1 in 5 will get some form of Skin Cancer in their lifetime.

Below are practical steps that can help protect the skin from the effects of the sun. These steps complement each other and provide the best protection when used together.

The Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC) began in 1998 in response to the death of an exceptional thirty-year-old woman named Colette Marie Brigid Coyne who died 5 1/2 months after diagnosis. Colette was not a sun worshipper however had two blistering sunburns in her youth which doctors indicated were enoughto trigger her melanoma at 29 years old. For more information on the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign, please visit www.ccmac.org

Mangano Proclaims May "Melanoma Awareness Month" In Nassau County