Sen. Timilty Hosts 9th Annual State House Skin Cancer Screening

State Senator Jim Timilty (D-Walpole) hosted the ninth annual State House Skin Cancer Screening on Wednesday for the third year in a row, along with The Melanoma Foundation of New England and The Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology.

Like in previous years, this free event offers Legislators and staff an opportunity to see a dermatologist for a free private 15-minute session in a hearing room at the State House. The Annual State House Skin Cancer Screening raises awareness about: Basal Cell carcinomas, Squamous Cell carcinomas, and melanomas.

“May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and it is always a pleasure working with the Melanoma Foundation of New England and the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology to bring this important event to the State House. Early detection provides anyone fighting cancer with a real advantage,” said Senator Timilty. “Until a cure is found, I think raising awareness and encouraging people to get screened regularly is necessary.”

Senator Timilty and the Melanoma Foundation of New England in addition to the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology have also drafted legislation seeking to reduce the prevalence of skin cancer in Massachusetts.

One bill looks to increase regulations tanning facilities within the state while the other sets up a framework to educate public school students about the relationship between sun safety and skin cancer. For more information on either of these bills, please visit the Legislature’s website.

Senate 1105 – An Act Further Regulating Tanning Facilities

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S1105

Senate 279 –An Act Establishing a Skin Cancer and Sun Safety Education Program in Public Schools

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S279

Additional information is also available at the Melanoma Foundation of New England’s website, as well as, on the Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology’s webpage. http://www.mfne.org/

http://www.massacademyofdermatology.org/