Wednesday, April 11, 2007

New Skin Cancer Resource Now Available

For Immediate Release: April 11, 2007

Contact: Laurel Matsuda

cancercrusaderspr@gmail.com


Cancer Crusaders Announce Release of One-Stop Skin Cancer Resource Guide



PROVO, Utah (April 11, 2007) –Just in time for spring, the Utah-based non-profit group - The Cancer Crusaders Organization - announces the release of a practical, comprehensive resource guide to skin cancer prevention and sun safety.



Only Skin Deep? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources, was written by Danielle White, founder and president of The Cancer Crusaders Organization, in cooperation with several leading dermatologists. The book features a wealth of information; everything from how to understand and minimize your risk for a future skin cancer diagnosis,, to a listing of viable sun safety programs available, particularly in high-risk states. Utah's risk for skin cancer is the highest in the nation, according to Huntsman Cancer Institute.



"Danielle and her organization have authored this excellent book which serves as an important resource to those who are committed to stemming the tide of skin cancer and melanoma," says Dr. Clay J. Cockerell, clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Cockerell, who served as president of the American Academy of Dermatology from 2005 until 2006, wrote the foreword for the Only Skin Deep? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources. "I hope you will find this book useful in winning the war against skin cancer," Cockerell says.



With more than 1.3 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is a growing epidemic. In fact, every hour another American succumbs to melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer. While skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in America, and abroad, it is also preventable.



"As far as prevention goes, it is important to keep in mind that skin cancer is caused, overwhelmingly by over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation [so] it is preventable," says Natalie Johnson, co-founder of The Cancer Crusaders Organization. Johnson, who is creator of the National Skin Cancer Awareness Symbol© and a former Miss Utah, lost her 21-year-old brother, Eric, to complications associated with a malignant melanoma seven years ago. Her story is one of the several that are featured in the book. "The more I researched this disease, the more I learned that skin cancer is preventable, which, to me, seems like an interesting message. It's a message of hope."



The 260+ page book features interviews from melanoma survivors and families, as well as interviews with several leading dermatologists such as Dr. Sancy A. Leachman and Dr. Glen M. Bowen of Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. The book is written as a means of teaching people, particularly young adults, about practical methods of skin cancer prevention, as well as encouraging them to becoming actively involved with advocacy efforts to fight this disease. The book also gives useful tips on how to maximize your sunscreen efficacy, and how to build a relationship with your dermatologist.



"The idea to do this book came to me when my co-founder, Natalie, was speaking to the American Academy of Dermatology two years ago, about her brother Eric, whom she lost to skin cancer. I thought to myself, there needed to be a resource for young adults that will not only teach them about skin cancer prevention, but actively recruit them to join the crusade," White says. "The more time I spend working with young adults, the more I realize that we need to pique their interest; to reach and teach them, so that they will then, in turn, raise the next generation of sun-savvy people."



The Cancer Crusaders Organization, thanks to a grant given by Del-Ray Dermatologicals (the manufacturers of Blue Lizard Australian Suncream) will be donating copies of the book to each university in the high-risk states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Utah. They will also be donating copies of the book to all active melanoma foundations across the country.



"Our chief objective in writing Only Skin Deep? is to educate people; to provide a practical resource for people so that they can make informed decisions about their dermatologic health," White says. "We also hope to raise funds for the continued development of effective skin cancer prevention education programs."



All proceeds from the purchase of Only Skin Deep? An Essential Guide to Effective Skin Cancer Programs and Resources will go to funding the continued development of skin cancer education programs. The book is available online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.



There will be an official book signing, and educational presentation, on May 31st at 7:00 PM at the Provo City Library. The event is free and open to the public. For details, contact Laurel Matsuda, the event coordinator.

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