The Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee Recognizes May as Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month

Committee Urges Individuals to Take Precaution and Protect Skin Against Sun

Washington, D.C., May 25, 2010 – May marks National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month. The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Advocacy Committee is committed to raising awareness of one of the most common types of cancer.

Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. A recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology confirms that nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common form of skin cancer, is truly an epidemic in the U.S., with an estimated 350 percent increase in this type of skin cancer over the past decade and a half.

Skin cancer is divided into two categories – melanoma, a metastasizing, malignant tumor found in melanin-producing cells in the bottom layer of the skin, and nonmelanoma, a malignant growth of the external surface of the skin. Although serious, nonmelanomas are much less life threatening.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Up to 90 percent of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Fortunately, the vast majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers can be cured in a single day, in a single procedure, which oftentimes does not require an overnight hospital stay.

With approximately 5,200 Medicare-certified facilities across all 50 states, ASCs are outpatient facilities that offer patients convenience, quality and value when it comes to their health care. Many ASCs throughout the country offer a variety of dermatology services, including treatment of skin cancer as well as clinical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Each facility is staffed with a team of specialized medical professionals providing high-quality care. In fact, patients report a 92 percent satisfaction rate in the health care services they receive in the ASC setting.

“During National Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month, we are proud to recognize the important work that ASCs across the country are doing to treat skin cancer,” said Andrew Hayek, Chairman of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee. “As providers of important surgical and diagnostic care, ASCs are committed to providing the highest quality care in a comforting, safe and efficient environment.”
The following are helpful tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation for preventing skin cancer.
1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
2. Do not burn.
3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
4. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
5. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
6. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
7. Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
8. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
9. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

About the Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee (ASCAC) is working on behalf of the industry to raise awareness of the important role that ASCs play in the health care system and the high-quality, cost-effective care that ASCs provide. The ASCAC includes the national and state ASC associations as well as representatives of all types of ASC operators and physicians. For more information about ASCs, visit www.advancingsurgicalcare.com.

Media Contact:
Kay Tucker, ASCA
(703) 836-8808
ktucker@ascassociation.org