Senator Fuschillo & Ccmac Team Up to Provide Free Skin Cancer Screening Program

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

July 21, 2011

New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC) today teamed up to sponsor a free skin cancer screening program to help protect residents from skin cancer.  

“Early detection is critical to effectively treating skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer. With summer in full swing and residents spending time in the hot summer sun, this is an opportunity to help them be safe and get screened. I thank CCMAC for partnering with me to offer this service to our residents,” said Senator Fuschillo. 

“Skin cancer is the fastest growing, yet most preventable, cancer in America. Regular screenings and the BE SUN SMART(R) message are vitally important to help reduce the risks of developing skin cancer and increase the chances of early detection. CCMAC is extremely pleased to once again partner with Senator Fuschillo to provide this important service and thanks the dedicated physicians who make it possible,” said Colette Coyne, co-founder and Executive Director of CCMAC.         

            Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types, according to the American Cancer Society. More than 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, more than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers combined.  

According to CCMAC, one in five people will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer in their lifetime. Malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, is the fastest growing cancer in America, claiming one life every hour. People of all ethnic backgrounds and races can get skin cancer. One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles melanoma risk later in life. 

CCMAC worked with Dr. Jeffrey Ellis of Belaray Dermatology, Dr. Steve McClain of McClain Labs, Dr. Erin Schoor, Dr. Scott Flugman of Huntington Dermatology, Dr. Jennifer DiFazio of Memorial-Sloane Kettering, and the doctors from Stony Brook Hospital Dermatology Service to provide the free screenings. 

Additionally, CCMAC raised awareness about the dangers of sun exposure by allowing residents to use a “derma scan” machine. The machine showed residents skin damage on their face caused by sun exposure which is not visible to the naked eye. 

Senator Fuschillo (right) is pictured with Colette Coyne, co-founder & Executive Director of CCMAC (center) and Town of Babylon Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon (left) at the free skin cancer screening program in Tanner Park. 

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