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- Heat Illnesses - The combination of record-breaking heat and humidity presently affecting Alabama can be deadly. ADPH advises citizens to be alert to the warning
signals of heat illnesses. Learn more>>
- 2011 Alabama Tornadoes - ADPH is offering information on health and safety concerns and resources regarding the aftermath of the April tornadoes. Learn more>>
- Calling For Poster Abstracts - The Office of Women's Health is pleased to announce the Call for Poster Abstracts for the Fourth Annual Women's Health Update to be held August 5. Call for Poster Abstracts begins June 1 and ends July 25. Learn more>>
- 2010 Annual Report - Our 2010 Annual Report is now available online. Learn more>>
- Birthing Facilities Recognized - Alabama hospitals have been recognized for their outstanding effort in newborn screening specimen collection. Learn more>>
- Free HIV/STD Screening - The Mobile County Health Department in partnership with Bishop State Community College will be providing free HIV/STD screening on July 19. Learn more>>
- Alabama Perinatal Conference - Our Region III Perinatal Advisory Council and the March of Dimes invite you to participate in the 16th Annual Alabama Perinatal Conference August 11-12. Learn more>>
- Perinatal Loss Bereavement Conference - The Montgomery Region Community Action Team is pleased to offer an opportunity for health professionals, social workers, counselors, law enforcement, coroners or anyone who may deal with perinatal and infant death issues to participate in a conference on July 29. Learn more>>
- Fourth Annual Women's Health Update - The 2011 Women's Health Update on August 5 is an educational opportunity for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and dietitians to receive up to date information on women's health issues. Learn more>>
- Newborn Screening Conference - The Alabama Newborn Screening Program is pleased to offer an opportunity for health professionals across the state to participate in the Newborn Screening Conference on August 19. Learn more>>
- Free Prostate Cancer Screenings - The Urology Health Foundation is joining with six county health departments to offer free prostate cancer screenings beginning in August. No appointments are necessary. Learn more>>
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Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer
It should be no surprise to anyone that sun exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Becky Carlee of Chelsea, Alabama, decided to have a doctor check out some spots on her arm and back that she had been noticing for about six months.
When she was enjoying a weekend getaway with her husband, her physician called to tell her she had Stage 1 melanoma. While the news was shocking to the 37-year-old avid "sun worshipper," she was relieved to know the cancer had not spread. But she still needed two surgeries to remove the tumors. Mrs. Carlee now respects the sun and the damage it can do, so she wears sunscreen every day.
Hers is not an isolated case. An estimated 930 state residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009. Melanoma is responsible for 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths, even though melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer after basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. About 65 to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light, a known human carcinogen, is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
The rate of new melanoma cases among white residents of Alabama and the melanoma death rate in the state is higher than the national average. About 140 state residents die of melanoma every year. The death rate for melanoma is rising faster than that of any other cancer type among men over the age of 50 in Alabama. People with light skin, light-colored hair, and blue or green eyes may be more predisposed to skin cancer; but anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is susceptible to it.
Continued - Read More
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