‘Melanoma Monday’ To Be Observed May 6

By  //  April 20, 2013

HEALTHCARE NEWS

ABOVE VIDEO: A new national report finds Americans are not as smart as they think when it comes to protecting themselves from skin cancer. Watch the AAD’s “Suntelligence” survey video to learn what you can do to prevent sun damage. (AcademyofDermatology)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The American Academy of Dermatology’s “Melanoma Monday” will be observed on  Monday, May 6.

People across the United States are being asked to wear orange to help remind people about the dangers of skin cancer. Health First encourages Space Coast residents to wear orange on May 6 and to remind friends and family about the importance of melanoma prevention and early detection.

Dr. Anita Saluja
Dr. Anita Saluja

“We all live in Florida where we have lots of sun and as we all know, excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer,” said Health First Dermatologist Dr. Anita Saluja.

“This is a great opportunity to remind people about the importance of using sunscreen, and wearing hats and sunglasses. We also want to remind people to do a monthly self-skin check to make sure there are no changes in any freckles and moles. Our goal is to motivate positive behavior change to reduce skin cancer.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with one in five Americans being diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and is the most common cancer for 25 to 29 year olds. Skin cancer is highly curable when caught early and when detected and treated before spreading to the lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 98 percent.

HEALTH FIRST FEATURES FOUR BREVARD HOSPITALS

Health-First-LogoHealth First is Central Florida’s only fully integrated health system. With a mission to positively change the health and wellness of the communities we serve, Health First offers multiple commercial and Medicare health plan products, the latest technological advances and quality care through our four hospitals and numerous Outpatient & Wellness Services, including four fitness centers to help members of our community stay healthy. We offer Brevard’s only Trauma Center and the Health First Medical Group is the largest multi-specialty physician group in Brevard County.