Published on May 21, 2020
Updated on May 22, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Lisa Berry Edwards
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Phone: (703) 519-2107
Email: lisa.edwards@preventcancer.org
John D. Antonishak
National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention
Phone: (301) 801-4422
Email: dontfryday@skincancerprevention.org
Alexandria, Va. – May 22, 2020 – To turn the tide against rising rates of skin cancer in the United States, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has partnered with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and its broad coalition of member organizations to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as the 12th annual “Don’t Fry Day.” This is a day to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Because Sun Safety Looks Good on You.”
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year—more than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
“Skin cancer is the most preventable cancer,” said Carolyn Aldigé, Founder and CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and the other coalition members to get this lifesaving message out to the public. With people spending more time outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s vitally important to prioritize personal health by protecting your skin from the sun. You should also protect the health of yourself and others by wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and washing your hands thoroughly when you head back indoors.”
Skin cancer is highly preventable. Over 90% of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices. Americans can dramatically reduce their risk of skin cancer by:
“As we get ready to kick off the summer with Memorial Day Weekend, it’s more important than ever to be sun safe and practice social distancing. Everyone can do it by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and throwing on a wide-brimmed hat while maintaining a safe distance from others when you go outside,” said John D. Antonishak, executive director of the National Council for Skin Cancer Prevention. “This year’s Don’t Fry Day is a reminder that you can still enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself and those around you from skin cancer and COVID-19.”
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About Don’t Fry Day: “Don’t Fry Day,” now in its twelfth year, is a public awareness campaign that aims to reduce the number of new skin cancer diagnoses by promoting sun safety and encouraging people to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Learn more at https://skincancerprevention.org/get-involved/dont-fry-day/
About the Prevent Cancer Foundation:
The Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation’s leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit organization focused solely on cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, it has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy.
About the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention: The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of more than 45 organizations, associations and agencies dedicated to preventing skin cancer through education, advocacy, and awareness. National Council members represent the nation’s premiere physicians, researchers, clinicians and advocates for skin cancer prevention. Learn more at SkinCancerPrevention.org.
