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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2005
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Dermatology Nurses' Association Helps Keep Families Safe from Skin Cancer During National Campaign
PITMAN, NJ – The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) has joined forces with the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) in a sweeping national education campaign to reduce skin cancer in America.
Along with other organizations, dermatologists, community leaders and volunteers, DNA is participating in events across the country as part of the WDS “Families Play Safe in the Sun” campaign. The program, which is supported by a $1 million grant from 3M Foundation, includes free screenings, education materials, complimentary products, youth-oriented contests and community programs. Events will take place over three years in 15 cities across the U.S.
“One of a dermatology nurse’s top priorities is to educate patients, so we are very excited about participating in this campaign,” said DNA President, Cathy Boeck, RN, CCRC, DNC. “Based on people’s reactions at the events, the campaign is proving amazingly effective. Volunteers are reaching people right in their own communities, discussing how to prevent and detect skin cancer, and demonstrating the correct way to use sunscreen and other protection methods.”
Thousands of families attended the campaign’s most recent events in Minnesota, August 3-5, 2005, at the Walker Art Center
in Minneapolis and at the Senior PGA 3M Championship in
Blaine. Boeck and Cynthia Hanson, RN, who are members of DNA’s Minnesota Chapter, helped physicians and dermatology residents screen patients and educate families about the sun’s dangers.
Teaching the public about skin cancer and supporting quality nursing care are among DNA’s pre-eminent goals, Boeck said. The organization advocates for such legislation as restricting tanning bed use among minors and also disseminates position statements to educate health care workers and the public about detecting and preventing skin cancer (www.dnanurse.org).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the skin cancer rate in the U.S. has doubled since the 1970s, with an estimated 1.1 million cases diagnosed annually. The WHO also reports that half of all cancer cases in America today are skin-related.
For more information about the “Families Play Safe in the Sun” campaign, visit www.playsafeinthesun.org, or the WDS Web site, www.womensderm.org. For more information about DNA, visit www.dnanurse.org.
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Members of the media: If you would like to interview DNA President Cathy Boeck or obtain photos of WDS campaign events, contact Janet D’Alesandro at 856-256-2422; janetd@ajj.com.
The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise. DNA’s core purpose is to promote excellence in dermatologic care.