Thomas promotes skin cancer awareness

Published 7:06 pm Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Sen. Don Thomas, R-Dalton, a practicing physician, co-hosted Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the state Capitol on Wednesday with the Atlanta Dermatological Association, the Georgia Society of Dermatologists and the Skin Cancer Awareness Network (SCAN) Foundation.

The annual event is a chance for participants to be checked for skin cancer by professional dermatologists and learn about the signs and dangers of skin cancer.

“Because we are only blessed with one life, we must take every precaution so we can live long, healthy lives,” said Thomas. “I was very happy to see so many people getting checked and getting information on this serious disease.”

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States; one million new cases are diagnosed every year. When diagnosed early, skin cancer has a 96 percent cure rate.

Thomas authored a resolution to recognize Skin Cancer Awareness Day and to honor the organizations so involved in making the event possible.

To learn more about skin cancer and to find information about upcoming events through the SCAN foundation, visit www.scanfoundation.com.