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Action Plan logo
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

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  Background Paper title

IV
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Prevention

The cornerstone of skin cancer prevention is reduction of solar and artificial UV radiation exposure by seeking shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen as well as avoiding the use of tanning beds. These prevention measures may be simple, but individuals and policy-makers alike need to be aware of the risk involved for Texans at work or play who a re either not aware of these measures, or have no encouragement to carry them out. Until skin cancer prevention becomes a priority at outdoor worksites, schools, and outdoor recreation sites, the incidence of all three skin cancers will likely continue to increase in Texas.
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