Proactive approach ideal to educate patients and parents on sun-safe behaviors; Society encourages monthly self-exams and annual skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist.
Rolling Meadows, IL (PRWEB) March 28, 2018
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association applauds the recent U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) endorsement of behavioral counseling to prevent skin cancer for individuals aged six months to 24 years with a fair skin type, including parents of young children.
ASDS / ASDSA encourages proactive methods that encourage sun-safe behaviors, knowing that changing behavior and reducing the number of skin cancer cases starts with patient education on sun safety and prevention tactics. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and, for the fifth consecutive year in the ASDS Procedure Survey, skin cancer treatments ranked as the most-performed procedure by ASDS members in 2016 (3.5 million procedures). Society members recommend monthly self-examinations and annual skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist as crucial to early detection.
“Society members take a comprehensive approach to battling skin cancer,” said ASDS / ASDSA President Lisa Donofrio, MD. “Patient education efforts work in tandem with skin cancer screenings leading to early detection and enabling higher survival rates. Our free screenings through our Choose Skin Health program, sun-safe behavior education through our public service programs and the launch of SUNucate model legislation providing children access to sunscreen at schools are all making an impact.”
ASDS / ASDSA members have performed over 24,000 free skin cancer screenings through Choose Skin Health program, and the Society has assisted nine states in passing SUNucate regulations with several more under consideration. SUNucate was launched in May 2016 after it was noted that children were required to provide a physician’s prescription in order to possess or use sunscreen at their school or camp, as sunscreen is classified as an over-the-counter drug by the Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USPSTF both believe that children should have access to sunscreen and other sun-protective measures in order to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
“Behavioral counseling complements the Society’s belief that prevention through patient education, early detection and allowing children to use sunscreen without a prescription are vital steps to reduce skin cancer in the United States,” said Dr. Donofrio.
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About the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association
With a membership of 6,400+ physicians, ASDSA is a 501(c) (6) association, dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of dermatologic surgeons and their patients. For more information, visit http://asdsa.asds.net.
Follow @ASDSAdvocacy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
About American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons also are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.
Follow @ASDSSkinMD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Locate a dermatologic surgeon in your area: asds.net/FindADermatologist.aspx
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/03/prweb15371702.htm