SJR70 Summary

• Recognizes May 2019 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Alabama and encourages Alabamians to use recommended prevention methods when exposed to sun.

• Documents that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States with rates rising for the past 30 years; American Cancer Society estimates over 104,300 invasive skin cancers and more than 11,600 deaths will occur in 2019.

• Identifies the three main types of skin cancer as melanoma (deadliest form), squamous cell cancers (appear on sun-exposed areas), and basal cell cancers (grow slowly and rarely spread).

• Explains that ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure causes cumulative DNA damage resulting in short-term effects like sunburn and long-term effects including premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancers; annual costs exceed $8 billion with $3.3 billion for melanoma treatment.

• Recommends prevention strategies including avoiding indoor tanning devices, seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing and sunglasses, and applying broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater.