May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

DEL MAR, Calif. - May 1, 2013 - PRLog -- San Diego, CA- May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and an ideal time for golfers to learn how to protect themselves in the sun. It also serves as a healthy reminder to schedule an exam to see what sun damage may have incurred throughout the year.

The Sun SafeTee® Program, a national nonprofit organization that promotes sun protection and skin cancer prevention programs specifically for golfers, suggests employing a comprehensive approach to sun protection.  The Sun SafeTee Program motto is: Cover Up, Before You Tee It Up™.

“This year alone, in the U.S., two million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer, including melanoma a deadly form of skin cancer.  One person dies from skin cancer every hour,” according to Sun SafeTee Board member David Laub, MD. “Due to the extended amount of time golfers spend in the sun, they are at a greater risk than the general public for developing skin cancer so precaution is key.”

Sun SafeTee also recommends doing a self-exam and visiting a dermatologist at least once a year as part of a strategy to reduce skin cancer risk and increase survival rates for those who are diagnosed with the disease.

“Clothing is your best protection in the sun, use a sunscreen with a SPF of 30+ and broad spectrum coverage, wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses,” recommends Dr. Laub, who is also a golfer.  “Being knowledgeable on sun protection can decrease the likelihood developing skin cancer and sun damage (wrinkles). Education is the key to both preventing skin cancer and for obtaining timely treatment.”

The Sun SafeTee Program is a 501(c) (3) non-profit sun protection and skin cancer awareness program designed specifically for the golf community. The organization focuses on Junior and Collegiate golfers and is a partner with The Golf Coaches Association of America, The First Tee, The American Junior Golf Association as well as numerous regional and local associations.  Sun SafeTee provides educational programs to golf professionals and golf organizations, distributes literature and sunscreen at tournaments and has produced multiple videos on sun protection for golfers.  You can follow Sun SafeTee on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website at www.sunsafetee.org .