Volume
Program Guide
ancer Screening
“Going Outdoors to Fight MELANOMA/Skin Cancer”
A statewide initiative to promote risk education, early detection and Skin CANCER SCREENING
Developed by the Ocean County Cancer Coalition
Free Skin Cancer Screening Guide
Acknowledgements:
• New Jersey Office of Cancer Control and Prevention
• Ocean County Cancer Coalition Members
• Melanoma Work Group of the Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment in New Jersey
• Mike Geltrude Foundation
• American Cancer Society
• Central New Jersey Oncology Nurses Society
The multitude of physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, hospital, health departments, community organizations, municipal agencies, lifeguards and volunteers who help implement Choose Your Cover each year.
A special thank you goes to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey for their editorial assistance.
“Choose Your Cover” is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention to the Ocean County NJ CEED Program. Ocean County Cancer Coalition’s mission is to implement the New Jersey Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan in Ocean County. For more information on Comprehensive Cancer Control in NJ, please visit: .”
Table of Contents
Welcome 1
Here is how the Initiative Works 2
Success is based upon teamwork 2
Facts About Skin Cancer 3
Program Requirements and Measurements 4
How to Conduct a Skin Cancer Screening 7
The Screening Day 7
Record Retention and Participant Follow-up 9
Post-Event 9
Appendices 10
Appendix A – Choose Your Cover Quick Guide 10
Appendix B – Skin Cancer Examination Protocols 13
Appendix C – Check List for Sites 15
Appendix D – Sample Budget 16
Appendix E – Budget Template 17
Appendix F – Proclamation Request Letter 18
Appendix H – Participant Follow-Up Letter 21
Appendix I – Data Form 22
Appendix J – Sample Thank You Letter to Volunteer 23
Appendix K – Publicity and Media Package 24
Important Contacts 50
Chapter
1
Welcome
c
hoose Your Cover skin cancer awareness, education and free screening initiative began as a small pilot program on Long Beach Island, NJ, to reach out to those people deemed most at-risk for skin cancer – those who live, work and play on or near the beach. Developed by the Ocean County Cancer Coalition, the NJ Office of Cancer Control and Prevention, and the NJ Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Control, Early Detection and Treatment, in 2008, the program has since expanded rapidly, from the original first site, to 28 sites statewide. Choose Your Cover now brings free skin cancer screenings, complimentary sunscreen and a wealth of vital skin safety information, involving cancer detection, prevention and sun smart precautions directly to the at-risk population of people who spend extended time in the sun – at the beach, ball park and other outdoor venues. A collaboration of physicians, advanced practice nurses, hospitals, health departments, community organizations, municipalities, lifeguards, corporations and volunteers have joined together to fight melanoma and other skin cancers, and reduce the risk of skin cancer in the Garden State. Because of these efforts, numerous participants of Choose Your Cover have reaped the benefits of lifesaving early detection, and still hundreds of others have been educated and have adopted sun safe behaviors, which will prevent them and future generations from ever developing melanoma or other forms of skin cancer in the first place.
Choose Your Cover’s award winning program now encompasses outdoor sites in every county, and has distinguished New Jersey as a leader in skin cancer awareness, prevention and screening.
We thank you for your commitment to the health and well being of New Jersey residents and visitors, and we look forward to working with you. This guide was developed to help organizers develop a Choose Your Cover skin cancer awareness, education and free screening program in your local county.
Sincerely, Sincerely,
[pic]
Arnold Baskies Deb Levinson, FACHE
Chair, NJ Governor’s Task Force on
Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment
Chair, Melanoma Work Group, NJ Governor’s Task Force
President-elect, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ
Member, Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons
NJ State Chair, Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons
Here is how the Initiative Works
Educating the public about melanoma/skin cancer prevention and providing screenings at outdoor sites for early detection requires advanced planning, coordination and minimal funding. A Quick Guide is in Appendix A.
☼
Success is based upon teamwork
Each site should have:
• Lead organization
• Two to three coordinators
• Community involvement of local officials and community-based organizations.
[pic]
Facts About Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Education and Screening at the Beach
Skin cancer education and detection at outdoor sites will increase awareness about the need for protection from UV rays which is the easiest way to eliminate the most common risk factor for cutaneious melanoma. The program targets many people who have never visited the dermatologist and because of their sun exposure, may be at a higher risk for melanoma. We did this because[1]:
• Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and New Jersey.
• Melanoma is an epidemic, and in the United States, incidence rates are rising approximately 4% per year among 15 to 34 year olds and 9% in those 65 years and older.
• One person dies every hour from melanoma, almost 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed and 8,700 will die from the disease.
• In NJ Melanoma is a serious threat where the number of new melanoma cases is the fifth highest in the nation.
• Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in men and 6th most common in women.
• Melanoma is the primary cause of cancer death in women between ages 25-30 and second cause of cancer death only to breast cancer in women ages 30-35.
• Eighty percent of sun damage happens before age 18; however, sunburn and the use of tanning salons at any age will promote an early diagnosis of melanoma.
• Melanoma happens almost equally in the sexes: in 2003, 29,900 men and 24,300 women were diagnosed with melanoma.
• The death rate from melanoma for men is almost twice that of women due to late detection. Older Caucasian males have the highest mortality rates from melanoma.
• Melanoma may be curable if diagnosed early and removed before it develops the capacity to spread.
Program Requirements and Measurements
Each initiative should identify a lead organization such as a local hospital, health department or health organization that has experience providing health screenings and is recognized in the community as a trusted health care provider. The lead organization should identify two to three individuals to serve as site coordinators.
Lead organization will be responsible for staff recruitment, site identification and securing the minimum resources needed to conduct screening.
The organization should be willing to host an orientation session, recruit professional volunteers and secure the resources such as tents and gloves necessary to implement the free skin cancer screenings at outdoor venues. The lead organization is also responsible for identifying the venue and engaging local municipal officials to ensure that they understand what is involved and the expectations. Important to your success is the local parks and recreation director and/or head lifeguard. Be sure to get them involved early on so they can help with site identification.
Lead organization hosts an orientation session
The lead organization will host an orientation session with the professionals and community members who will be involved to educate them about melanoma and how this community service can be provided. This session may take approximately one to one and half hours.
Recruiting volunteers (staff) is instrumental to Choose Your Cover’s success
Engaging volunteers (staff)
At a minimum, each site should have:
• A coordinator who is experienced in overseeing health screenings.
• 2 coordinators will ease the program implementation.
• Screeners may include physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistants.
• Assistant Screener who is a nurse
• Registration (2 people)
• Education (2 people)
• Discharge (2 people)
• Additional volunteers can put up signs, distribute sunscreen – this can be done by children who are supervised by an adult.
Extend invitations to local physicians and nurses to staff the skin cancer screening through the hospital’s medical staff communication tools. Professionals can also become involved through the hospital’s cancer registrar, the local medical society and the local Oncology Nurses Society. Appendix B has the Skin Cancer Examination Protocols. Volunteer sources include your local hospital, dermatology association, students, junior lifeguards among others.
To help you get the word out and provide support the day of the screening, you will need additional staff to help disseminate literature and register participants. Local organizations such as The American Cancer Society, local public health departments, local youth groups, colleges and high schools can provide additional outreach and support.
What site should we choose?
Your local mayors, councilmen, parks and recreation directors, and head lifeguards will know which beach, lake or pool site will provide the best location for your skin cancer education and detection program. Each site will have different requirements such as permits, the availability of a permanent shade structure or the need to borrow tents, tables and chairs from the recreation department or rent them. The site coordinator should meet with individuals from the area who can help identify the site, e.g. head lifeguard, park ranger, etc.
Resources—
Ask for donations
This program can be done with limited resources – recruit volunteer staff, work with your local media to promote the event, be sure that you have registration forms and ask for donations. A check list for sites is in Appendix C. Get local sponsors for free sunscreen samples, medical supplies and giveaways such as UV cards. Money for tent rentals and food and waters for volunteers might be more difficult to obtain. Reach out to your local hospitals, foundations and organizations that might have an interest in helping organizations conduct free skin cancer screenings. A sample budget is provided in Appendix D. A blank template is in Appendix E. Again, ask for donations!
Weather or not to cancel
Of course, a sunny day is the best time to conduct screening outdoors, but as we all know you cannot control the weather. Determine upfront if you are going to hold the event, rain or shine. If you are going to have a rain date, find out the availability of volunteer staff and venue to participate on the rain date. If you are not having a rain date, just go forward and good luck.
Building public awareness
Public awareness can be developed through a variety of ways such as multi-media public service announcements, traditional print and broadcast media, online/interactive marketing, “word-of-mouth,” street signs, signs on lifeguard chairs and beach entrances, flyers with beach badge renewals. Develop your own local efforts based upon local needs.
Each county coalition should post their sites under NJOCCP’s event page. What works at one location may not be as effective at another location. Helpful hints:
• On Long Beach Island most of the people who were screened found out about the screenings from signs on the streets and at lifeguard stands directing people to free skin cancer screenings.
• At Ortley Beach lifeguards made announcements about the screenings, drawing people to the screening salon.
• Youth volunteers, wearing protective clothing – hats, sunglasses, sunscreen go onto the beach (with an adult supervisor), distribute sunscreen and tell the sunbathers about the skin cancer screening.
• Rent a megaphone to make announcements (with permission of beach staff).
Suggested publicity timeframe, sample flyers, letter to Editor, press releases in a media package found in Appendix J.
Engage your local government officials.
Ask for a proclamation. Have the date of the screening or even the month declared Choose Your Cover day or month by your Freeholders, Mayors or Municipal Council. Sample proclamation and request letter are found in Appendix F.
How to Conduct a Skin Cancer Screening
The Screening Day
The screening
Screenings are free and appointments are not necessary because the screenings are conducted on a first-come first-serve basis. To maximize community participation, skin screenings should be scheduled when the venue is busy, when more people are at the beach or pool.
Site Coordinators will be responsible for staff recruitment, site identification and securing the minimum resources needed to conduct screening.
It is critical that the program’s site coordinator have all of the names, addresses and contact information of each volunteer to inform them about ongoing information, materials, flyers, meetings, especially for the day of event in case of rain. A sample volunteer sign-in sheet is provided in Appendix G. Please send a copy to Peg Knight @ __________________.
Each participant completes a registration form that is then filled out by the screener. A copy of all of the signed registration forms together with the list of venue volunteers will be sent to the state coordinator. All records will be retained by the County Coalition or NJ CEED program office.
In the event that suspicious lesions are found, participants are advised that it is their responsibility to arrange for a follow-up examination with a dermatologist of their choice. The participant is then provided with specific instructions and a list of area dermatologists that is prepared by the site coordinator. If the person is from out-of-the-area, they should be provided with a telephone number of the American Academy of Dermatologists.
Liability
Choose Your Cover does not provide medical malpractice liability insurance coverage for its members, including those who volunteer for free screening programs. Each participating doctor should be aware of the need to obtain advance confirmation, from his/her malpractice carrier or other appropriate sources, that his/her activities in connection with the programs will be covered by adequate liability insurance.
Other organizations have conducted skin cancer screenings. The American Academy of Dermatology reports “In the 24 years in which the Academy has sponsored skin cancer screenings, not one of the 1.8 million people screened has threatened to bring suit. However, it would be advisable for any physician who is planning to participate in a free-standing screening program to consult his/her liability insurance agent or carrier in advance to determine what action, if any, is needed to establish coverage.
In the event of a positive presumptive diagnosis, for his/her own protection, the screener ought to have a written record of reasonable attempts to notify the participant of this fact, either by a contemporary record of oral advice given or a copy of a subsequent written communication to the participant.
The Choose Your Cover Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program Registration and Report Form has a release form that is written in language that can be understood by persons of average education and intelligence and that will not mislead any participant. However, no release form can give absolute protection.
The form states that the responsibility for follow-up examinations lies with the individual and not with the screening physician or other sponsoring organizations. The form also states that “this is a rapid screening and is not a complete skin cancer examination.” Nonetheless, in cases where there is a positive presumptive diagnosis, be sure to explain to the participant that a follow-up examination is imperative and is his/her responsibility. There is a section on the Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program Registration and Report Form that states, “I understand that I have a possible cancerous or pre-cancerous condition that requires a follow-up examination. I also understand that it is my responsibility to arrange for a follow-up examination with a dermatologist of my choice, and that any follow-up examination or treatment that I may receive is not sponsored, endorsed or guaranteed by the Choose Your Cover staff.” After explaining the importance of the follow-up exam, have the participant initial this section and give him/her the participant’s copy to take to his/her own dermatologist.”
Record Retention and Participant Follow-up
Each county coalition will be responsible for retaining the participants’ records. The coalition or site sponsor if not part of a county coalition, will retain the original form. The participant gets the participant copy and the evaluation copy will be sent to:
Debra Levinson
565 River Terrace
Toms River, NJ 08755
Participants who have a positive presumptive diagnosis should be sent a follow-up letter 15 days after the screening. Another letter should be sent 45 days after the screening. One nursing Ph.D. student from a Florida University took a randomized sample for one year of screenings and contacted the people only to ask if they had followed-up on the finding. His results showed almost 90% had followed up.[2] A sample follow-up letter is provided in Appendix H.
Program Evaluation
Program evaluation will be conducted using the registration forms. Each site should count the number of referrals and positive presumptive diagnosis, recording the data on the Data Form (Appendix I). This should be submitted to the County Coalition (if appropriate); the coalition coordinator will submit to Debra Levinson (dlevinson@).
Registration forms also have pre- and post-tests. The answer can be program evaluation for every site. However, the information can be used for research only if the participant agrees to participate in the research study. The participant will be introduced to the research by a research assistant. Not every site will have a research assistant.
Post-Event
Site Coordinator
• Send thank-you to the volunteers. Samples are in Appendix J.
• Send data form to Debra Levinson (dlevinson@).
• Send list of volunteers to Peg Knight Peg.Knight@doh.state.nj.us
Appendices
Appendix A – Choose Your Cover Quick Guide
When to hold the screenings
❑ Third Saturday in July, between 10 AM to 2 PM; Rain date: Third Sunday in July between 10 AM to 2 PM
Where to hold the Screening and Education
❑ Beaches, pools, lakes, parks, golf courses, sporting events, outdoor sites where many people gather[3]
❑ Screening area should be in a shaded area with seating whenever possible, otherwise provide shade
Staffing
❑ Screeners and Support: Dermatologists, Physicians, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants; Assistants: Registrars, Public Educators, professional assistants, other assistants.
o One practitioner can usually screen between 6 – 10 people per hour.
o 2 -3 registrars to help with paper work and traffic flow; 1-2 Public Educators; 1-2 Evaluators
o Gophers - those who help get food, water, put up signs, put up tents, direct participants, etc.
Preparation/Coordination
Success is based upon teamwork: Secure a site sponsor; 1-2 site coordinators who are responsible for overall coordination and recruitment of volunteers and staff; involve community officials and organizations; provide educational materials and other giveaways; have a communication strategy; develop a budget and resources requirements; Implement and then provide follow-up recognition and thank-you’s.
❑ Contact the local Dermatologic Association and Oncology Nurses Society and invite them to participate. Also ask area hospital cancer registrars if they can assist in recruiting physicians and staff.
❑ Enlist the support of hospitals, health departments, American Cancer Society, local groups, town, county officials, Chambers of Commerce, head lifeguards, recreation department, etc., to establish a feeling of cooperation among participating hospitals, physicians and others. Also provides support for working with the news media.
❑ Find site and seek approvable from the Town/City Mayor, event sponsor, etc. and make sure you will meet regulatory requirements. Inspect site to see how to arrange your site, if possible, near a busy entrance. Have volunteers greet people and direct to location where screenings will take place.
❑ Determine communication – Arnold Baskies, MD will be the spokesperson for Choose Your Cover 2010. Statewide CYC will provide Swiss Cheese media alerts, press releases, proclamations, letters to editor, recognition and thank yous. You make your own local connections and be aware of overlap with other counties. If working with a beach/pool/lake site, screen the lifeguards prior to July 17 to generate pre-event publicity. We’ll have to work on getting a press release for pre-event.
❑ Education – Professional education – statewide we will be working on coordinating; public education – Also, educate the public educators. ACS and Mike Geltrude Foundation will provide brochures.
❑ Evaluation – Each site, at a minimum, will count the number of people screened and referrals by type.
❑ Resources: human, monetary, potential sources.
Event Components
❑ Pre-screening permission
o No pre-registration
o Permission for the site and understand the requirements
❑ Preparation/Coordination
o Recruit screeners and volunteers; Ask them to “Choose Their Cover”—Be Sun Safe
o Obtain skin cancer screening materials – ACS, and other educational materials.
o Order signs, giveaways, etc.
o Establish weather policy and how to contact
o If possible, send materials over to site beforehand
o Telephone numbers of volunteers
o Equipment:
▪ Tents 20X30 or 2 15 X 15
▪ 8- 10 tables 30” X 60”
▪ Chairs - 35
o Arrange publicity, pre- and post releases
o Post sites on NJOCCP Event Listings
o Contact police
o Restrooms
o Staff parking
o Permits
o Prepare a list of area dermatologists for referrals.
❑ Screening Day
o Weather – do we have to postpone?
o Put up signs, banners, etc. and remember to take them down.
❑ Post-Screening
o Recognition
o Thank yous
o # of participants; # count screening forms, and referrals. Send information to Deb Levinson (dlevinson@).
o Coalition to retain registration forms.
Forms/Materials:
Volunteer sign-in sheets
Registration/release forms
❑ Clip boards
❑ Pens
Educational materials:
❑ Bricks/sand bags to hold down materials
❑ Educational board
❑ ACS and other educational materials
❑ Posters
Refreshments
❑ Water, Ice
❑ Coolers
❑ Lunch
❑ Trash bags/cans
Medical Supplies
❑ Gloves
❑ Antibacterial lotion/wipes
❑ Magnifying glass
❑ Privacy curtain (or sheets)
❑ Measure
Liability
Each participating physician, advanced nurse practitioner or physician assistant should obtain advance confirmation from his/her malpractice carrier or other appropriate sources, that his/her activities in connection with the programs will be covered by adequate liability insurance.
The guidebook which has more details will be provided to each site.
Appendix B – Skin Cancer Examination Protocols
Although this event is not sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, “Choose Your Cover” skin cancer screening will follow their clinical guidelines to the best extent possible, as found in the “Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program Guidelines 2010.”
Each screening site should conform to the following additional guidelines:
• Eligibility: Adults age 18 and over are eligible for a free skin cancer screening exam. If a person is under 18, a parent or guardian must provide consent. All patients must agree to terms indicated on the exam form prior to receiving the exam as stated below under c) Record Keeping.
Equipment:
• Gloves
• Magnifying glass
• Hand sanitizer
• Privacy curtain, when possible
Qualifications of Provider:
• Licensed Physician who is proficient in performing a full-body skin cancer screening exam.
• Licensed Nurse Practitioner proficient in performing a full-body skin cancer screening exam.
• Physician Assistant proficient in performing a full-body skin cancer screening exam.
• Clinical assistants should have “calibration” of skills and under supervision of a licensed physician.
• Clinical resident should have “calibration” of skills and under supervision of a licensed physician.
Recordkeeping:
• Choose Your Cover Skin Cancer Screening Form (in triplicate) will be used.
• Each screening site must provide site information and date on the screening form.
• All patients must complete all demographic information and general questionnaire contained on the form. Verification of adult status may be required.
• All patients must read and sign the Consent and Release Form.
• All screening examiners must complete the medical information and sign the form.
• All records should be compliant with HIPPA regulations.
Program Evaluation:
• Program evaluation will be conducted through pre- and post-tests and by counting the referrals and presumptive diagnoses. This information can be used for program evaluation for every site. However, the information can be used for research only if the participant agrees to participate in the research study. The participant will be introduced to the research by a research assistant. Not every site will have a research assistant.
General Medical and Ethical Principles:
• The health professional performing the screening is responsible for referring patients with suspicious findings to a dermatologist. A list of dermatologists in the county will be provided to the patient. In addition, uninsured patients will receive information for referral to a local clinic for follow-up.
• The site coordinator for the screening is responsible for reporting data on the total number of patients screened to the Cancer Coalition for data collection and evaluation.
• The health professional performing the screening is responsible for returning a copy of the exam form and the name/address/phone number of those referred for suspicious findings to the County Coalition for follow-up.
Suggested Training for Participating Health Professionals:
• Full-Body Skin Cancer Examination with “calibration” of skills by appropriate licensed physician or advance practice nurse.
• Review of documentation and required record keeping.
Medico-Legal Considerations:
• Both malpractice and general liability insurance are required of the practitioner. Health care practitioners should check with their carriers for assurance that they are covered in an “off-site” venue.
• Additional statement regarding liability is found on page 7 of the American Academy of Dermatology, ‘Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program Guidelines 2010.”
Appendix C – Check List for Sites
Awareness
• Banner
• Signs for Lifeguard stations
• Signs for event
• Sunscreen for distribution at site
Equipment
• Tent 30 x 30 or two 15 x 15 tents
• Tables 30” by 60”, 8-10 tables
• Chairs 25
Registration
• Pens
• Clip boards
• Volunteer sign-in sheets
• Registration forms
Educational Materials
• Bricks/sand bags to hold down materials
• Educational board
Station 3 Medical Supplies
• Gloves
• Magnifying glass
• Trash Cans
• Hand light; head lamp
• Privacy curtain
• Hand sanitizer
Refreshments for Staff
• Lunch
• Water
• Coolers
• Trash cans
Other things to check out
• Contact police
• Restrooms
• Parking
• Permits
Miscellaneous
• Telephone number of volunteers
Appendix D – Sample Budget
[pic]
Appendix E – Budget Template
Use this template to calculate your budget. The items listed are only suggestions.
[pic]
Appendix F – Proclamation Request Letter
DATE
(YOUR TOWN) Council
STREET ADDRESS
YOUR TOWN, NJ ZIP CODE
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to request that the (YOUR TOWN) Council pass a resolution declaring July 17TH as “Choose Your Cover” day in (YOUR TOWN) Township. The (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition is committed to early detection, skin cancer awareness and educating the public about the importance of sun safety. Last year the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition teamed up with other cancer coalition groups throughout New Jersey to participate in Choose Your Cover – a free skin cancer screening, awareness and education program that took place on beaches across the state, including our own (BEACH IN TOWN). Through the program, we are able to educate area residents and visitors about sun safety and the importance of early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma.
Of the more than 1900 people screened since the program’s inception in 2008, more than 550 people have been referred for further evaluation. We have identified 176 cases of skin cancer – including 62 instances of melanoma. The program has been recognized by the Center for Disease Control and lauded as a lifesaving initiative in New Jersey.
Choose your Cover 2010 will be held on Saturday, July 17 (rain date July 18) at (LIST OF LOCAL SITES). In addition, outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers across the state will benefit when (LIST OTHER PARTICIPATING COUNTIES) counties join with us to participate in what will be New Jersey’s largest freestanding skin cancer screening. Here in (YOUR COUNTY) we will promote early detection with free skin screenings, and educate participants about sun safety precautions, the importance of sunscreen and other means to protect the skin. We will educate 120,000 (YOUR COUNTY) residents about skin cancer prevention via area radio stations and publicizing the UV index; we will increase awareness about sun safety practices by disseminating 1,500 educational brochures and social marketing materials; and we will screen (ESTIMATED NUMBER) people at local (YOUR COUNTY) County beaches that are geographically dispersed within the county.
In (YOUR COUNTY) County the number of new cases of melanoma cancer is significantly higher than statewide averages. Between 2001 and 2005, there were (NUMBER) new cases of melanoma in (YOUR COUNTY) County, with (NUMBER) deaths. This resolution will not only demonstrate (TOWN) Township’s support for this lifesaving initiative, but will further publicize the efforts of the Choose Your Cover initiative, help educate and screen area residents – and ultimately save lives.
Thank you for your concern with this matter. We would be honored by your support.
Very truly yours,
NAME, TITLE
AFFILIATION
Choose Your Cover 2010
Sample Proclamation
WHEREAS, the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition is committed to educating the public about sun safety and the importance of detecting skin cancer early, volunteers will hold Choose Your Cover 2010 on July 17, 2010, at (NUMBER) (YOUR COUNTY) outdoor venues – (LIST OF LOCATIONS).
WHEREAS, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is the most preventable form of cancer and the easiest to detect early and treat successfully. There are three types of skin cancer: the common basal cell and squamous cell cancers and the less common but far more serious type called melanoma. The occurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancers varies with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun (and “sun lamps”), and indirectly with skin pigmentation.
WHEREAS, (YOUR TOWN) residents and visitors can have fun outdoors while protecting their skin from the sun by choosing five sun protection options: seeking shade, covering-up, donning a hat, wearing sunglasses, and applying sunscreen. Prudent avoidance of too much sunlight is fully compatible with the enjoyment of the Township’s beaches and other outdoor venues.
WHEREAS, the efforts of the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition through the Choose Your Cover initiative have been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control for saving lives, one beach and outdoor venue at a time because of its efforts at early detection of the dangerous melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
WHEREAS, the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition is one of 21 county-wide coalitions created to help implement the New Jersey comprehensive cancer control plan based upon local needs and priorities, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts statewide will benefit from their participation in NJ’s largest free-standing skin cancer screening on July 17th, 2010.
WHEREAS, the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition agrees that it is in the best interest of the citizens of (YOUR TOWN) that July 17th be declared “Choose Your Cover Day” in the Township; and
WHEREAS, the (YOUR TOWN) Town Council joins in supporting this initiative to raise awareness about sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer
NOW, THEREFORE, I__________, do hereby congratulate the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition for their outstanding leadership and proclaim July 17th as “Choose Your Cover Day” in (YOUR TOWN) Township.
Appendix G – Volunteer Sign-In Sheet
[TO BE SUPPLIED]
Appendix H – Participant Follow-Up Letter
July __, 2010
Participant Name
Address
Dear Participant:
Thank you for taking part in the Choose Your Cover Skin Cancer Education and Screening conducted recently by the [Your]Cancer Coalition and [site sponsor] at [site] on [event date].
The exam, provided by a physician, showed evidence of abnormal findings.
This does not mean that you have cancer, but rather that you should seek additional medical attention to assess the nature of this finding. We strongly recommend that you contact your family physician or dermatologist as soon as possible to seek further evaluation of your condition.
Remember, this is only a screening test. The results cannot be considered conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of skin cancer.
Please see your family physician for a complete health check up on a regular basis. Report any changes in moles. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal or "ugly looking."
Thinking of "ABCD" can help you remember what to watch for:
• Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
• Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
• Color - the color in uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
• Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
Please contact your own physician if you have any questions. The responsibility for any follow-up examinations lies with you as the person responsible for your own health.
Thank you for participating in this program.
Name
Phone number
Appendix I – Data Form
The data will be entered into an Excel spreadsheet
DATE |SITE |County |# screened |# Normal |# referred |% Referred |Referred for Biopsy |Basal Cell |Squamous Cell |Melanoma | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Appendix J – Sample Thank You Letter to Volunteer
Subject: CHOOSE YOUR COVER–Skin Cancer Awareness & Screening in New Jersey
Dear [Volunteer’s Name],
[Your County] Cancer Coalition members thank you for making Choose Your Cover successful, not only at [the site], but also statewide. As one of the volunteers, you helped organize this first time statewide event, which was the largest independent skin cancer screening in NJ. For your information [number] skin cancer screenings were conducted at [the site] and nearly [number] statewide. Approximately [percent] of all of the screenings had lesions that required follow-up.
We look forward to working with you, Kimball Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Health Care System on this program in 2011.
Very truly yours,
[pic]
Debra A. Levinson
Coordinator
Ocean County Cancer Coalition
Appendix K – Publicity and Media Package
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
MEDIA SCHEDULE
WEEK OF: PRESS RELEASE:
MAY 17: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Choose Your Cover 2010 Promotes Sun Smart Precautions
JUNE 7: Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings At Area Beaches Throughout New Jersey
JUNE 21: Statewide Coalition Choose Your Cover 2010
Promotes Taking Sun Smart Precautions
JUNE 28: Choose Your Cover 2010 Takes to the Beach With
Free Skin Cancer Screenings and Sun Safe Precautions
PSA: Choose Your Cover 2010 to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings Throughout NJ
JULY 5: Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Sun Safe Precautions and Free Skin Cancer Screenings to Outdoor Enthusiasts
JULY 12: MEDIA ALERT/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
JULY 19: Record-Breaking Number Of Participants Screened At
Choose Your Cover 2010 Free Skin Cancer Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Choose Your Cover 2010 Promotes Sun Smart Precautions
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, and representatives from Choose Your Cover, a statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and education initiative that takes to New Jersey beaches and outdoor venues each year in mid July, urge you take sun safe precautions to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
“Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer,” says (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION). “Which is why it is so important to ‘choose your cover’ and reduce your risk accordingly.
“Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, avoiding the sun during the middle of the day when rays are strongest, applying and reapplying sunscreen liberally and avoiding indoor tanning can all go a long way toward reducing your risk for skin cancer,” she adds.
Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative and successfully screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer at 11 beaches in the one-day event throughout New Jersey. In addition to receiving skin cancer screenings performed by a team of volunteer healthcare professionals, participants receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions they can implement to protect their skin.
“Out of the more than 1900 people we’ve screened since the program’s inception two years ago,” says Arnold Baskies, MD, FACS, who serves as Chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Co-Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group and President-Elect of the American Cancer society, Eastern Division, “more than 500 people have been referred for further evaluation. Of those people we’ve identified 176 skin cancer diagnoses – 62 of which were melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer.”
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States with
MORE–
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year, according to (NAME), (TITLE), of (AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION). “While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is on the rise.”
While family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining your risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Taking steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover will once again take to the beaches, as well as ballparks and even an outdoor rodeo this year, providing free skin cancer screenings along with their message of prevention.
Free skin cancer screenings will be available at 11 beaches and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 19). Nearly 2000 people are expected to participate in this year’s event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings
At Area Beaches Throughout New Jersey
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Taking steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover 2010, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational event, is taking to the beach! Free skin cancer screenings will be offered at 11 area beaches in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). Nearly 2,000 people are expected to participate in this event – making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening event in New Jersey’s history.
Volunteers from across the state – physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff – are teaming up in the fight against skin cancer, offering free skin cancer exams to beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as free sunscreen and information about enjoying fun in the sun while protecting the skin from melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
“Melanoma is the most common and preventable form of cancer,” says Arnold Baskies, MD, FACS, who serves as chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Co-Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division. “New Jersey has a significantly higher risk of skin cancer than other states, which is why events like Choose Your Cover 2010 are so important to help raise public awareness of early detection, and the need for protection from the harmful effects of the sun.”
The Choose Your Cover event began with the Ocean County Cancer Coalition in 2008. The event screened 541 participants at Ocean County beaches. Of those participants, 47 were referred for further screenings, eight of which were diagnosed with melanoma. The coalition’s life saving efforts were recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the program expanded.
Last year, Cancer Coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up to facilitate the
– MORE –
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
event which screened nearly 1,400 people at 11 beaches throughout New Jersey. More than 500 participants were referred for further screening, and 146 people were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer – 62 of which were melanoma.
This year, Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
“This is the type of program that can certainly save lives and all it takes is a few minutes of your time. We want people to enjoy the time they spend outdoors but we want them, overall, to stay healthy and safe,” says (NAME), (TITLE), who serves as liaison to the (YOUR COUNTY) Health Department. “It is so important to educate and raise awareness on the subject. We want visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches and their time spent outside but we all need to take precautions to protect our skin when we spend time out in the sun.”
The purpose of Choose Your Cover 2010 is to educate the public about sun safety, prevention and the early detection of skin cancer, says (NAME), (TITLE) of the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition. The coalition is one of 21 countywide coalitions created to help implement New Jersey’s comprehensive cancer control plan.
“I am very pleased to be part of this program and I commend all of the volunteers and workers who have made it such a success,” Dr. Baskies adds. “I encourage area residents and visitors to take advantage of this free screening and participate in Choose Your Cover 2010 on July 17th.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE), at (PHONE) or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Free Skin Cancer Screenings
At Outdoor Venues Throughout New Jersey
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Taking steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover 2010, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational event, is taking to the great outdoors! Free skin cancer screenings will be offered at area beaches, parks and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). Nearly 2000 people are expected to participate in this event – making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening event in New Jersey’s history.
Volunteers from across the state – physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff – are teaming up in the fight against skin cancer, offering free skin cancer exams to beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as free sunscreen and information about enjoying fun in the sun while protecting the skin from melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
“Melanoma is the most common and preventable form of cancer,” says Arnold Baskies, MD, FACS, who serves as chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Co-Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division. “New Jersey has a significantly higher risk of skin cancer than other states, which is why events like Choose Your Cover 2010 are so important to help raise public awareness of early detection, and the need for protection from the harmful effects of the sun.”
The Choose Your Cover event began with the Ocean County Cancer Coalition in 2008. The event screened 541 participants at Ocean County beaches. Of those participants, 47 were referred for further screenings, eight of which were diagnosed with melanoma. The coalition’s life saving efforts were recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the program expanded.
Last year, Cancer Coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up to facilitate the
– MORE –
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
event which screened nearly 1,400 people at 11 beaches throughout New Jersey. More than 500 participants were referred for further screening, and 146 people were diagnosed with some form of skin cancer – 54 of which were melanoma.
This year, Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
“This is the type of program that can certainly save lives and all it takes is a few minutes of your time. We want people to enjoy the time they spend outdoors but we want them, overall, to stay healthy and safe,” says (NAME), (TITLE), who serves as liaison to the (YOUR COUNTY) Health Department. “It is so important to educate and raise awareness on the subject. We want visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches and their time spent outside but we all need to take precautions to protect our skin when we spend time out in the sun.”
The purpose of Choose Your Cover 2010 is to educate the public about sun safety, prevention and the early detection of skin cancer, says (NAME), (TITLE) of the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition. The coalition is one of 21 countywide coalitions created to help implement New Jersey’s comprehensive cancer control plan.
“I am very pleased to be part of this program and I commend all of the volunteers and workers who have made it such a success,” Dr. Baskies adds. “I encourage area residents and visitors to take advantage of this free screening and participate in Choose Your Cover 2010 on July 17th.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE), at (PHONE) or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Statewide Coalition Choose Your Cover 2010
Promotes Taking Sun Smart Precautions
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Before you head outdoors this summer, representatives from Choose Your Cover, a statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and education initiative, urge you to take sun safe precautions to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
“People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and all types of skin cancer,” says (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION). “Which is why it is so important to ‘choose your cover’ and reduce your risk accordingly.”
“Covering up your skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer a great means of protection for your skin,” she said. “Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your head, ears and neck, and wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage. Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest. Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently, and steer clear of indoor tanning beds which are proven to increase your risk for skin cancer.”
Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative to promote skin cancer awareness, prevention and early detection. The one-day event held in outdoor venues throughout New Jersey, successfully screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer. In addition to the screenings performed by a team of volunteer healthcare professionals, participants received free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect the skin.
MORE—
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
“Out of the more than 1,900 people we’ve screened since the program’s inception two years ago,” says Arnold Baskies, MD, FACS, who serves as chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Co-Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division, “more than 500 people have been referred for further evaluation. Of those people we’ve identified 176 skin cancer diagnoses – 62 of which were melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer.”
Taking steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover will once again that to area parks, beaches and other outdoor venues throughout New Jersey this year, providing free skin cancer screenings along with their message of prevention on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 19). Nearly 2,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bring Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION) at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Statewide Coalition Choose Your Cover 2010
Promotes Taking Sun Smart Precautions
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Noting the importance of education at a time when the incidence of melanoma skin cancers are on the rise, the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition along with County officials kicked off an awareness campaign today focusing on skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Standing by the bay, with ocean beaches not far away, (NAME, TITLE) from the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition, Dr. Arnold Baskies, M.D., FACS, chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division and (YOUR COUNTY), and (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), released details for the upcoming Choose Your Cover Day 2010, at a press conference at (LOCATION).
Choose Your Cover is an annual free skin cancer screening, awareness and education initiative held each summer on New Jersey’s beaches and in other outdoor venues to help prevent melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, the most common and preventable form of cancer.
“Melanoma is a serious and yet very preventable form of cancer,” said Dr. Baskies, FACS, who has been involved with the Choose Your Cover effort since its inception in 2008. “Our efforts through Choose Your Cover 2010 will once again promote the early detection of skin cancer, as well as help raise public awareness about this disease and the importance of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun.”
In (YOUR COUNTY) the number of new cases of melanoma is on the rise. Between 2001 and 2005, there were (NUMBER) new cases of melanoma in the county, with (NUMBER) resulting in death.
MORE—
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
“We want people to enjoy the time they spend outdoors, but above all, we want them to stay healthy and safe,” said (TITLE) (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL), who serves as liaison to the (YOUR COUNTY) Health Department. “It is so important to educate people and raise their awareness on this subject. We want our visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches and their time outside but we all need to take precautions to protect our skin when we spend time out in the sun.”
(TITLE) (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL) presented a proclamation from the Board of Chosen Freeholders to the (YOUR COUNTY) Coalition in support of the Choose Your Cover 2010 event, which will take place on Saturday, July 17th in (NUMBER) different venues in (YOUR COUNTY), according to (NAME), coordinator for the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition.
The event includes free skin cancer screenings at (NUMBER) (YOUR COUNTY) beaches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 17: (LIST BEACH LOCATIONS). The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 18.
Physicians, nurses, and support staff from (YOUR COUNTY) hospitals and health departments are volunteering their expertise for the event and will perform the skin screening exams. No pre-registration is required before testing. In addition to the free screenings, participants will receive free sunscreen, information about skin cancer and the variety of sun protection options available, including: seeking shade during peak sun exposure times, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen.
“Excessive sun exposure is a known risk factor for skin cancer,” (TITLE) (NAME OF OFFICIAL) said. “We’d like to encourage area residents and visitors to take advantage of this free screening event on July 17th. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it could certainly save your life.”
For more information about Choose Your Cover 2010, contact (YOUR NAME), (TITLE), of the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition at (PHONE) or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT).
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Statewide Coalition Choose Your Cover 2010
Promotes Taking Sun Smart Precautions
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Noting the importance of education at a time when the incidence of melanoma skin cancers are on the rise, the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition along with County officials kicked off an awareness campaign today focusing on skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Standing by the bay, with ocean beaches not far away, (NAME, TITLE) from the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition, Dr. Arnold Baskies, M.D., FACS, chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division and (YOUR COUNTY), and (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), released details for the upcoming Choose Your Cover Day 2010, at a press conference at (LOCATION).
Choose Your Cover is an annual free skin cancer screening, awareness and education initiative held outdoors each summer on New Jersey’s beaches, ballparks and in other outdoor venues to help prevent melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, the most common and preventable form of cancer.
“Melanoma is a serious and yet very preventable form of cancer,” said Dr. Baskies, FACS, who has been involved with the Choose Your Cover effort since its inception in 2008. “Our efforts through Choose Your Cover 2010 will once again promote the early detection of skin cancer, as well as help raise public awareness about this disease and the importance of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun.”
In (YOUR COUNTY) the number of new cases of melanoma is on the rise. Between 2001 and 2005, there were (NUMBER) new cases of melanoma in the county, with (NUMBER) resulting in death.
MORE—
CHOOSE YOUR COVER
PAGE 2
“We want people to enjoy the time they spend outdoors, but above all, we want them to stay healthy and safe,” said (TITLE) (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL), who serves as liaison to the (YOUR COUNTY) Health Department. “It is so important to educate people and raise their awareness on this subject. We want our visitors and residents to enjoy our beaches and their time outside but we all need to take precautions to protect our skin when we spend time out in the sun.”
(TITLE) (NAME OF COUNTY OFFICIAL) presented a proclamation from the Board of Chosen Freeholders to the (YOUR COUNTY) Coalition in support of the Choose Your Cover 2010 event, which will take place on Saturday, July 17th in (NUMBER) different venues in (YOUR COUNTY), according to (NAME), coordinator for the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition.
The event includes free skin cancer screenings at (NUMBER) (YOUR COUNTY) beaches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 17: (LIST BEACH LOCATIONS). The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 18.
Physicians, nurses, and support staff from (YOUR COUNTY) hospitals and health departments are volunteering their expertise for the event and will perform the skin screening exams. No pre-registration is required before testing. In addition to the free screenings, participants will receive free sunscreen, information about skin cancer and the variety of sun protection options available, including: seeking shade during peak sun exposure times, wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen.
“Excessive sun exposure is a known risk factor for skin cancer,” (TITLE) (NAME OF OFFICIAL) said. “We’d like to encourage area residents and visitors to take advantage of this free screening event on July 17th. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it could certainly save your life.”
For more information about Choose Your Cover 2010, contact (YOUR NAME), (TITLE), of the (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition at (PHONE) or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT).
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Phone/Email
:30 PSA Radio Spot
Choose Your Cover 2010 to Offer Free Skin Cancer Screenings Throughout NJ
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010 IS A FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENING, AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE AT NEW JERSEY BEACHES, BALLPARKS, AND OTHER OUTDOOR VENUES ON SATURDAY, JULY 17 FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM. TAKE SUN SAFE PRECAUTIONS AND CHOOSE YOUR COVER – WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, SUNSCREEN AND STAY IN THE SHADE DURING PEAK SUN HOURS AND REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR SKIN CANCER. LOG ON TO WWW. AND CLICK ON THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS TO FIND THE CHOOSE YOUR COVER SKIN CANCER SCREENING NEAR YOU.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Takes to the Beach With
Free Skin Cancer Screenings and Sun Safe Precautions
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – With the promise of summer upon us, many people will take to the outdoors to enjoy the sunny, warmer weather. Before you do, representatives from Choose Your Cover urge you apply some sunscreen and put a hat on to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
Choose Your Cover is a statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and education initiative that takes to New Jersey beaches and outdoor venues each year with a clear message – too much sun puts you at risk for skin cancer.
Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative and screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer at 11 beaches throughout New Jersey. In addition to receiving the free skin cancer screenings which are performed by volunteer healthcare professionals, participants receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect their skin.
“Out of the more than 1900 people we’ve screened overall since the program’s inception two years ago,” says Debra Levinson, program organizer and coordinator of the Ocean County Cancer Coalition, “more than 500 people have been referred for further evaluation, with 176 skin cancer diagnoses – 62 of which were melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer.”
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year, according to (Name), (Title), of (Affiliated Organization). “While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise.”
While family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining your risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
–MORE–
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
Working to turn those statistics around, Choose Your Cover will once again take to
New Jersey beaches, ballparks and even a rodeo this summer, providing free skin cancer screenings along with free sunscreen, information and their message of prevention.
Choose Your Cover 2010 will offer free skin cancer screenings at 11 beaches and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 19). Nearly 2,600 people are expected to participate in this year’s event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Sun Safe Precautions and
Free Skin Cancer Screenings to Outdoor Enthusiasts
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Whether you’re basking on one of New Jersey’s beautiful beaches this summer, working in the garden, or simply going for a walk or running errands, taking a few sun smart precautions could save your life.
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year, according to (NAME), (TITLE), of (AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION). “While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise.”
While your family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining your risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
“Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer,” says (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION). “Which is why it is so important to take sun smart precautions and reduce your risk accordingly.
“Wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest, using sunscreen and avoiding indoor tanning can go a long way toward reducing your risk for skin cancer.”
Taking additional steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative, will once again take to the beaches this summer with their message of prevention. Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative and successfully screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer at 11 beaches throughout New Jersey. In addition to the skin cancer screenings by volunteer healthcare professionals, participants receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect their skin.
Choose Your Cover 2010 will offer free skin cancer screenings at 11 beaches and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, on Saturday, July 17th
–MORE–
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). Nearly 2,600 people are expected to participate in this annual event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Sun Safe Precautions and
Free Skin Cancer Screenings to Outdoor Enthusiasts
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Whether you’re heading to the ballpark, the beach or your backyard pool, taking a few sun smart precautions could save your life.
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year, according to (NAME), (TITLE), of (AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION). “While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise.”
While your family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining your risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
“Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer,” says (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION). “Which is why it is so important to take sun smart precautions and reduce your risk accordingly.
“Wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest, using sunscreen and avoiding indoor tanning can go a long way toward reducing your risk for skin cancer.”
Taking additional steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative, will once again take their message of prevention to outdoor enthusiasts in the Garden State. Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative and successfully screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer at 11 beaches throughout New Jersey. In addition to the skin cancer screenings by volunteer healthcare professionals, participants receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect their skin.
Choose Your Cover 2010 will offer free skin cancer screenings at area parks, beaches and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, on Saturday, July 17th
–MORE–
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). Nearly 2000 people are expected to participate in this annual event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
MEDIA ALERT/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Event: Choose Your Cover 2010 Skin Cancer Screening on NJ Beaches
When: Saturday, July 17, 2010
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Choose Your Cover 2010, a cooperative effort among several county-based cancer coalitions, will offer free skin cancer screenings at 28 beaches and other outdoor venues statewide including [YOUR COUNTY], on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). In addition to the skin cancer screenings by volunteer healthcare professionals, participants may receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect their skin. Nearly 2,600 people are expected to participate in this annual event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
Choose Your Cover was developed by the Ocean County Cancer Coalition in 2008 and has since grown into a statewide initiative. The program has screened over 1900 participants since its inception and refered more than 500 people for further evaluation. Of those participants, 176 skin cancer diagnoses have been made – 62 of which were melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer. The program has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control for it’s lifesaving efforts in early detection and impact on sun safe behaviors aimed at reducing the incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers in the state.
For more information about New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010, please contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT).
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Choose Your Cover 2010 Offers Sun Safe Precautions and
Free Skin Cancer Screenings to Outdoor Enthusiasts
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Whether you’re heading to the soccer field, the ballpark or the beach, taking a few sun smart precautions could save your life.
Skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed each year, according to (NAME), (TITLE), of (AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION). “While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise.”
While your family history and heredity, such as fair skin and light colored eyes, play a role in determining your risk for developing skin cancer, one of the major risk factors for melanoma, and other forms of skin cancer, is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
“Overexposure to sunlight is one of the most preventable risk factors for all types of skin cancer,” says (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION). “Which is why it is so important to take sun smart precautions and reduce your risk accordingly.
“Wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeve shirt and pants made of a tightly woven fabric and sunglasses can offer a good deal of protection. Also seeking shade and avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest, applying and reapplying sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, and avoiding indoor tanning can all go a long way toward reducing your risk for skin cancer.”
Taking additional steps to promote sun safety and the early detection of skin cancer, Choose Your Cover, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative, will once again take their message of prevention to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Garden State. Last year, cancer coalition groups from four New Jersey counties teamed up through the Choose Your Cover initiative and successfully screened nearly 1,400 people for skin cancer at beaches throughout New Jersey. In addition to the skin cancer screenings by volunteer healthcare professionals, participants receive free sunscreen and a wealth of vital information about sun smart precautions to protect their skin.
–MORE–
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
This year, Choose Your Cover 2010 will offer fee skin cancer screenings at parks, beaches and other outdoor venues in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties, on Saturday, July 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, July 18). Nearly 2000 people are expected to participate in this annual event, making it the largest freestanding skin cancer screening in New Jersey’s history. Pre-registration for the event is not required.
The Choose Your Cover 2010 screenings will take place in Ocean County at Brick Beach III, Ortley Beach and Ship Bottom 20th Street beach. In Monmouth County, screenings will be available at Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Highlands Family Beach, Long Branch and Sea Bright Borough. Atlantic County sites include the Ventnor Community Center and the Brigantine 16th Street Gazebo. In Cape May County, the event will be held in Cape May City at the lifeguard headquarters.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the New Jersey’s Choose Your Cover 2010 screening nearest you, contact (NAME), (TITLE) of (AFFILIATION), at (PHONE), or via email at (EMAIL CONTACT). You can also visit and click on the calendar of events to find a free skin cancer screening in your area.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Name, Title
Record-Breaking Number Of Participants Screened At
Choose Your Cover 2010 Free Skin Cancer Program
YOUR TOWN, DATE OF RELEASE: – Over (2010 NUMBER) people were screened for skin cancer this Saturday, July 17th at Choose Your Cover 2010, a free melanoma skin cancer screening, awareness and education program. What began in 2008, as a small health improvement project at three Ocean County beaches has grown into one of New Jersey’s largest skin cancer screenings with nearly every New Jersey county in the state participating in this year’s event.
Beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts statewide received convenient free skin cancer screenings by a volunteer force of healthcare professionals from across the state. In addition, participants received free sunscreen, gained a vital awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention – and learned that it’s easy to have fun in the sun while protecting our skin.
Information from New Jersey’s County Cancer Coalitions, the American Cancer Society, as well as from the Mike Geltrude Foundation, helped to highlight the dangers of overexposure to the sun’s UV rays and the importance of ‘choosing your cover.’ Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and avoiding the sun during the middle of the day, when rays are strongest, and applying and reapplying sunscreen were just some of the recommendations participants received.
“Melanoma is a preventable cancer,” said Arnold Baskies, MD, FACS, who serves as chairman of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection and Treatment, Chairman of the New Jersey Melanoma Work Group, and President-elect of the American Cancer Society, Eastern Division. “New Jersey has a significantly higher risk of skin cancer than other states. This effort helped to raise public awareness about skin cancer and the importance of early detection, as well as the importance of protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.”
– MORE –
CHOOSE YOUR COVER 2010
PAGE 2
While the number of participants referred for further evaluation from this year’s event have yet to be calculated, out of the more than 1900 people screened over the last two years, more than 500 have been referred for further evaluation. Of those participants a total of 176 people were pre-identified with some form of skin cancer – 62 with the most deadly form of melanoma.
“This type of program can certainly save lives, and all it takes is a few minutes of your time. We want people to enjoy the time they spend outdoors but we want them, overall, to stay healthy and safe,” says (NAME), (TITLE), (YOUR COUNTY OFFICIAL). “It is so important to educate and raise awareness on the subject. We want our visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoors and their time spent outside but we all need to take precautions to protect our skin when we spend time out in the sun.”
The purpose of Choose Your Cover 2010 is to educate the public about sun safety, prevention and the early detection of skin cancer, says (NAME), (TITLE), (YOUR COUNTY) Cancer Coalition. The coalition is one of 21 countywide coalitions created to help implement New Jersey’s comprehensive cancer control plan.
“Thanks to the input of dozens of volunteers up and down the Jersey Shore, led by Debra Levinson, Coordinator of Choose Your Cover and the Ocean County Cancer Coalition, more than (2010 TOTAL SCREENED) people received a free screening for skin cancer,” says Dr. Baskies. “The cooperation of the Freeholders, the local hospitals, physicians and nurses, the mayors, the volunteers and foundations, and the media, made this one of the most important cancer screenings in the history of our state. Congratulations to all, and get ready for next year!”
If you’d like more information about volunteer opportunities or how you can participate in the Choose Your Cover 2011 skin cancer screening event, contact Debra Levinson at 732-286-3693. To find a free skin cancer screening event in your area, visit and click on the calendar of events.
###
[pic]
Important Contacts
For more information about how you can implement this program in your community, contact Debra A. Levinson, FACHE, Ocean County Cancer Coalition Coordinator, dlevinson@. 732.418.3232
Mike Geltrude Foundation
CINJ
Note
The Manual is based upon the experience of the Ocean County Cancer Coalition – You may have other suggestions, which we would appreciate you send to dlevinson@
-----------------------
[1] American Cancer Society: 2009 Facts and Figures
[2] Private correspondence between D. Levinson and L. Rendina, Moffit Cancer Center
-----------------------
[pic]
2010
[pic]
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.