K 586: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Melanoma Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 586 BY: M. of A. Lunsford MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Melanoma Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Melanoma Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Melanoma Month; and WHEREAS, The American Academy of Dermatology has designated National Melanoma Month to raise awareness about skin cancer; many events have been planned focused on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and skin cancer screening and resources; and WHEREAS, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young people under 30, especially in young women; and WHEREAS, Melanoma can appear on any area of the body, including the eyes and internal organs; and WHEREAS, Often the first sign of Melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or feel of an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole; and WHEREAS, According to the American Cancer Society, it is anticipated that this year approximately 104,960 new cases of malignant Melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States; and WHEREAS, It is estimated by the American Cancer Society that there will be approximately 8,430 deaths attributable to malignant Melanoma in 2025; and WHEREAS, 86 percent of Melanomas are caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) rays; and WHEREAS, To prevent Melanoma, it is recommended to avoid using tanning beds, excessive exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when its rays are the strongest, and to wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants; and WHEREAS, Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing Melanoma by 50 percent; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body affirms its commitment to promote an environment which supports and encourages vigorous research activities, and the institutions engaged in those activities, to further skin cancer research; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body also reaffirms its commitment to foster efforts directed at the advancement of detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Melanoma; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Melanoma Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.