PRINTER'S NO. 1561

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

No.

263

Session of

2022

INTRODUCED BY SANTARSIERO, BROWNE, HUGHES, PHILLIPS-HILL,

MARTIN, SCAVELLO, COMITTA, BARTOLOTTA, LAUGHLIN, FONTANA,

CAPPELLETTI, STREET, MENSCH, SCHWANK, BOSCOLA, COSTA, J. WARD

WHEREAS, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the

United States, with more than 3.5 million new cases diagnosed

each year; and

WHEREAS, Skin cancer occurs when ultraviolet radiation from

the sun damages skin cells and triggers mutations that cause the

cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that one in five Americans will

develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer

and the leading cause of death from skin disease; and

size, shape and color; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma is almost always curable if it is

recognized and treated early, but if melanoma is not detected,

it can spread to other parts of the body where it becomes harder

to treat and is often fatal; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young

adults 25 to 29 years of age and the second most common form of

cancer for young individuals 15 to 29 years of age; and

WHEREAS, An individual's risk for developing melanoma doubles

if the individual had more than five sunburns and triples if the

melanoma if the individual has a large number of moles, fair

skin, a weakened immune system or a personal or family history

of melanoma; and

WHEREAS, The National Cancer Institute estimated that the

cost of treating melanoma in 2020 was $3.16 billion, up from

$2.36 billion in 2010; and

WHEREAS, These costs will continue to rise as incidences of

melanoma climb nearly 2% annually in the United States and 5%

annually in this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this Commonwealth can significantly

WHEREAS, Children in particular need protection from the sun,

including playing in the shade at playgrounds and properly

applying sunscreen; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this Commonwealth are also advised to

examine their skin regularly for the warning signs of melanoma

and to see their physicians annually for a professional skin

exam; and

WHEREAS, Greater recognition of the dangers of skin cancer,

particularly melanoma, and of the importance of preventive

measures and early detection is needed among residents of this

and other skin cancers to promote prevention and early detection

among residents of this Commonwealth.