SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States; and
WHEREAS, individuals living in North Carolina were diagnosed with melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer – at a rate of 25.9 per 100,000 from 2017 through 2021, and died from melanoma at a rate of 2.1 per 100,000; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, the white population is diagnosed and dies from melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, far more than all minority populations combined, and white men have a much higher incidence and mortality rate from melanoma than white women; and
WHEREAS, skin cancer is considered one of the most preventable cancers; people can actively reduce their risk of skin cancer by applying sunscreen daily, wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses, seeking shade, avoiding tanning devices and other artificial sources of UV radiation, performing monthly self-examinations, and visiting a dermatologist yearly; and
WHEREAS, the Friday before Memorial Day is National Don't Fry Day, raising awareness of sun safety and encouraging everyone to take steps to protect their skin, especially as the summer months begin; Don't Fry Day is an opportunity for all people to make a lifetime commitment to practice sun safety; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to protect themselves and their families against sun damage and to promote sun safety awareness and education in our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2024, as “SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.