May 12, 2010

Nassau County Declares May as “Melanoma Awareness Month”

Legislator Richard Nicolello along with County Executive Ed Mangano, and the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC), announced that May will be “Melanoma Awareness Month” in Nassau County.

“Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but preventing skin cancer is the best way to beat skin cancer,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.  “If skin cancer is recognized and treated early, it is nearly 100 percent curable.  Be smart, get a head start, and get checked out today.”

Legislator Nicolello urged residents to take certain basic precautions, such as wearing a hat or applying sunscreen, when anticipating prolonged exposure to the sun.  The Legislator also cautioned against the use of tanning salons, especially among young people. Statistics show that individuals under the age of 30 who use tanning salons have a 75% increased chance of getting Melanoma.

“CCMAC is proud to collaborate with the American Cancer Society in Nassau County as well as on a National Level,” said Mrs. Coyne.  “We are grateful for this collaboration, in addition to the commitment of our Legislators both in the past and present.  Their support of the message of ‘Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention’ is invaluable to the community. All of us working together will truly make a difference.”

The Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign was formed in 1998 after Colette Coyne’s thirty-year old daughter died from skin cancer. The foundation’s mission is to raise public awareness about skin cancer/melanoma, while changing behavior towards excessive sun exposure. For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact the CCMAC at (516) 352-4227.

Shown in photograph, from left to right: Legislator Nicolello, County Executive Mangano, Colette Coyne and Dr. Donna Driscoll.