Atlanta Falcons RISE UP with the American Academy of Dermatology to Fight Skin Cancer

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Atlanta Falcons are proud to announce the team's new partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) in an effort to raise awareness of skin cancer.  Through this partnership, the Atlanta Falcons will host free SPOT me™ skin cancer screenings at Falcons' training camp this preseason, July 25 – 27.

SPOT me™ is designed to educate the public, particularly men, about the dangers and risks of skin cancer, and encourage people to get screened regularly by a board-certified dermatologist. As participants in the SPOT me™ campaign, the Falcons are inviting all those who attend Falcons' training camp on July 25, 26 and 27 to receive a free skin cancer screening and learn how to reduce their risk of this preventable disease. Fans who participate will also be eligible to win autographed Falcons' memorabilia.

"We are excited to take part in the SPOT me™ campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection among our fans," said Marty Lauzon,director of sports medicine and performance and head athletic trainer for the Falcons. "Living in Atlanta, where it's warm and sunny most days of the year, we know how critical it is to protect ourselves from sun exposure – especially as players and coaches are spending so many hours outside. It's important that our fans take the same precautions and take advantage of the free skin cancer screenings and educational information available at training camp."

It is estimated that one in five people in the United States will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and men over 50 are at greater risk of developing the disease compared to the rest of the general public. A recent survey by the Academy found that while more than 90% of American men know something about skin cancer, only six in 10 (61%) know how to detect signs on their skin, and even fewer actually visit a doctor for annual skin cancer screenings (18%).

"People don't realize that Georgia has a serious skin cancer problem," said board-certified dermatologist Michael S. Fisher, MD, FAAD. "Of the 50 states, Georgia is projected to have the 12th highest number of new cases of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – with an estimated 2,180 cases expected in 2014. This is why we should all protect ourselves from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. To detect skin cancer early when it's most treatable, we recommend learning how to spot skin cancer and visiting a board-certified dermatologist if you see anything growing, itching or bleeding on your skin."

To learn more about skin cancer prevention and detection and to find a free SPOT me™ skin cancer screening near you, visit www.spotme.org.

About SPOT me™
In order to continue to increase public awareness of melanoma and expand the number of free skin cancer screenings across the country, Bristol-Myers Squibb donated its melanoma awareness campaign, Melanoma Exposed™, to the Academy. Bristol-Myers Squibb's donation of Melanoma Exposed™, provided through a charitable grant, includes a five-year contribution to the Academy, totaling more than $4 million. The Academy has integrated the Melanoma Exposed™ program into its national skin cancer screening program and is re-branding all of its screenings as SPOT me™, a part of the Academy's larger SPOT Skin Cancer™ initiative.

Since 1985, Academy dermatologists have conducted more than 2.4 million free skin cancer screenings and have detected nearly 238,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 26,500 suspected melanomas. To learn more about the SPOT me™ campaign and to find free skin cancer screenings near you, visit www.spotme.org.

American Academy of Dermatology
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., 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 17,000 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, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).

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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology