Preface Contents Executive Summary Background Paper   I. Incidence, mortality, and impact on society II. Skin cancer III. Contributing and causative factors IV. Prevention V. Cancer prevention and information services that impact the skin cancer problem VI. Barriers to early detection and treatment of skin cancer in Texas VII. Policy initiatives that would affect skin cancer awareness and prevention VIII. Professional practice regarding skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment IX. Prevention and information models Action Plan   Goal I Initiate data collection and analysis   Goal II Develop prevention information and services to increase public awareness   Goal III Enhance professional education and practice   Goal IV Improve access to prevention, detection, and treatment Bibliography Appendix   i. Melanoma of the Skin Incidence and Mortality Rates, 1988-1992 ii. Five-Year Relative Survival Rates, by Site 1986-1992 iii. Average Years of Live Lost per Person Dying of Cancer, 1993 iv. Demographic Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma of the Skin v. Counties Reporting Health Care Availability as an Issue vi. Federally Designated Medically Underserved Areas vii. Additional Texas Cancer Council Initiatives
		Goal III: Enhance professional education and practice
		Objective A. Enhance health care practitioners' knowledge, skills, and practice regarding skin cancer.
			Strategy 1 Improve awareness and practice of skin cancer prevention and detection for health and dental care providers so that non-dermatologists are able to identify individuals at risk, recognize suspicious lesions, and make appropriate referral.
				a) Encourage training programs for each discipline to include skin cancer prevention and detection education.
				b) Recommend utilizing dermatologists to present the information on screening and detection during family practice rotations in Texas medical schools.
				c) Train health practitioners to do effective community outreach education.
			Strategy 2 Provide continuing education for health care practitioners.
				Support continued development of skin cancer awareness in the Nurse Oncology Education P rogram, the Physician Oncology Education Program, the Dental Oncology Education Program, and other training programs for health care practitioners.
		Objective B. Increase skin cancer awareness in public service occupations licensed or certified by the State Health Department.
			Strategy 1 Recommend inclusion of skin cancer prevention and awareness as part of licensure or certification for occupations such as cosmetologists, beauticians, barbers, massage therapists, etc.
			Strategy 2 Disseminate continuing education information for practicing members of personal care occupations at trade shows and other venues.