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H E A LT H M AT T E R S A newsletter of the Sussex County Cancer Coalition
Volume 3, Issue 2
Skin Cancer Continues to Rise in NJ, Across the Country
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Did you know Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that is actually on the rise in New Jersey and across the country? According to the NJ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention (OCCP), as referenced in its Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan, 2008 - 2012 (http://www.nj.gov/health/ccp/ccc_plan/ chapter_9_ melanoma. shtml), E TH T E cutaneous ORG !! F T ’ melanoma N DON NSCREE is a serious SU threat in New Jersey, ranking 7th highest for new cases of melanoma in the nation. New Jersey is well-known for its tourist and other outdoor attractions every summer. Because of this, OCCP believes many opportunities exist to prevent cutaneous malignant melanoma education at these recreational activities and facilities. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the incidence of melanoma has continued to increase in the U.S. and worldwide during the last four decades. In 2000, 47,700 people in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with melanoma, and that number rose to 68,720 by 2009. The Academy notes that there are many reasons why these rates are increasing so significantly. Some people are not protecting
themselves from sun exposure while others subject themselves to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning beds and lamps. In fact, nearly 28 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Depletion of the ozone layer may also contribute to the increase in melanoma incidence because it allows more UV radiation to reach the earth’s surface. The fact is that melanoma is a life-threatening disease and this information must be effectively communicated to the public and to healthcare professionals in order to increase the proportion of melanomas diagnosed in the early stages when the disease is most treatable. The Melanoma Workgroup of the OCCP recommends continued implementation of awareness campaigns that target early diagnosis. The Workgroup notes that awareness issues must be addressed on five levels. • First, the public at all age levels must be made aware of the gravity of the disease and the need for preventive measures. • Second, screening must be promoted to those at risk. • Third, patients must be made aware of the treatment regimens that are available immediately after diagnosis. • Fourth, medical professionals must be informed about the state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment programs, as well as the quality-of-life issues that accompany these treatments. • Fifth, the public and professionals must be informed about the facilities in New Jersey which offer stateof-the-art diagnosis and treatment for melanoma of the skin. Continued, page 3
Here’s What’s Inside: Skin Cancer Continues to Rise, Page 1; Hands of Hope, Page 2; NJCEED Serves Those in Need, Page 2; Sun Safety Efforts, Page 3; Sussex County Screenings, Pages 4 & 5; Vitamin D for Cancer Prevention, 1 Page 6; Sussex County Relay for Life, Page 7; Healing Hearts Summer Camp, Page 8