Bill Text: MI HR0275 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare May 2012 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 24-6)
Status: (Passed) 2012-05-17 - Adopted [HR0275 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0275-Enrolled.html
Reps. Slavens, Bledsoe, Geiss, Haugh, Dillon, McCann, Kandrevas, Brunner, Smiley, Greimel, Talabi, Townsend, Howze, Stallworth, Liss, Barnett, Bauer, Brown, Byrum, Constan, Daley, Darany, Durhal, Heise, Hughes, Knollenberg, LeBlanc, Lori and Tyler offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 275.
A resolution to declare May 2012 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells; and
Whereas, While melanoma can be caused by genetic factors or immune deficiencies, the most common cause is excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, particularly through multiple sunburns during childhood or exposure to tanning devices at a young age; and
Whereas, Melanoma is the most common form of cancer among people 25 to 29 years old and its incidence has doubled in the past two decades with over 120,000 new cases occurring each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are due to melanoma with one death occurring in the United States every hour; and
Whereas, Melanoma is highly curable if detected early with a five-year survival rate of 98 percent when detected before spreading to the lymph nodes. However, if melanoma is detected in the regional stage or distant stage, the five-year survival rate falls to 62 percent and 16 percent, respectively; and
Whereas, The most effective method of detection is visual self-inspection for changes in the appearance of existing moles or blemishes or, for individuals with increased risk factors such as the existence of more than 50 moles or a past personal or family history of melanoma, a complete skin examination by a dermatologist at least annually; and
Whereas, The American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology have consistently promoted melanoma awareness through the encouragement of prevention, early detection, and annual screening for this potentially deadly disease; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2012 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
