HR1225 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1225 LRB099 21729 GRL 48348 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Most people do not realize that the skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body and performs many essential tasks; and

WHEREAS, More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year; one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, it is estimated that there will be 76,000 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, diagnosed in the United States, including an estimated 2,480 Illinois residents; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 335 people die of melanoma in Illinois every year; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma and other skin cancers are highly treatable if detected early; sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma; and

WHEREAS, Steps can be taken to reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such as wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, protective clothing, sunglasses, and avoiding sunlight between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, Drivers in the United States have a higher degree of skin cancer on the left side of their face due to exposure to ultraviolet rays while driving; and

WHEREAS, In cars, only the laminated windshield comes with ultraviolet radiation protection; the side and back windows allow in more than 60% of ultraviolet radiation; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that ultraviolet radiation damage is more extensive on the side of the body closer to the window; long-time drivers also have rougher, slacker, and more wrinkled skin on their window side; and

WHEREAS, Babies and young children, who have little protective skin pigment, often sit in the back of vehicles, where none of the glass (even darker glass found in SUVs and minivans) offers adequate ultraviolet radiation protection; and

WHEREAS, Ultraviolet radiation-filtering window film can go a long way to prevent skin damage; UV absorbers in the form of transparent films are available for the side and back windows of vehicles in all 50 states; the film screens out more than 99% of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the American Academy of Dermatology sponsors Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, a public education campaign designed to promote the prevention and early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers through screenings and prevention methods; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May of 2016 as Skin Cancer Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of skin cancer and the means to successfully prevent and treat this deadly disease; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the citizens of this State are urged to receive skin cancer screening and seek other prevention methods to prevent and detect skin cancer.