SCHAUMBURG, ILL. – In recognition of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) releases news and research, and coordinates several activities to raise awareness about skin cancer and to encourage Americans to practice sun-safe behaviors when they head outdoors.

“RAYS: Your Grade”
The Academy has released the results of a first-of-its-kind survey ranking 32 metropolitan regions across 29 states with respect to how the residents of specific cities rate on awareness, behavior and attitudes regarding sun safety and exposure to UV rays.

The “RAYS: Your Grade” survey assigned rankings to cities based on residents’ answers to a range of questions testing their sun-smarts about tanning and sun protection.  Cities were then ranked based on the percentage of people who scored A’s and B’s. 

For information about the survey results, a complete list of the rankings and a survey fact sheet, please visit the links in the left sidebar. 

Skin Cancer News
In addition, this kit includes the Academy’s latest news and research on skin cancer, including:

• New Survey Ranks the Nation’s Most and Least Sun-Smart Cities
• New Study Identifies Five Risk Factors Linked to Melanoma Detection
• Dermatologists Warn Myths About Melanoma Could Lead to Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment
• Skin Cancer Survivors Join Dermatologists to Educate Teens About Risks of Indoor Tanning
• New Survey Reveals Americans Know Skin Cancer is Preventable, Yet Many Aren’t Taking Action: Dermatologists Aim to “RAYS: Your Grade” In Communities
• American Academy of Dermatology Helps Consumers Make Sun-Smart Choices: AAD Seal of RecognitionTMRecognizes Products for Sun-Protection Benefit
• Making the Outdoors Safer for Communities: The American Academy of Dermatology Announces 2007 Shade Structure Program Grant Recipients
• American Academy of Dermatology Applauds Efforts of the United States Environmental Protection Agency to Protect the Ozone Layer

Additional Academy Skin Cancer Initiatives
This kit also includes information about several Academy initiatives and programs that support its commitment to skin cancer detection and prevention, including:

Academy Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program

Play Smart When It Comes To The Sun®
Play Smart When It Comes To The Sun®  Program

Make Sun Safety Your Goal!®
Make Sun Safety Your Goal

Shade Structure Program
2008 Shade Structure Program

In 1995, the Academy established the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday®, to raise awareness about this potentially fatal type of skin cancer and to encourage Americans to practice sun-safe behaviors and examine their skin for suspicious moles and lesions.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations.  With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin.  For more information, contact the Academy at (888) 462-DERM or www.aad.org.