According to NJ Today, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) has established the Team SunSmart educational program, in partnership with the Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation (RFMF). The RFMF conducts programs which focus on educating, raising awareness, and encouraging people 12 years of age and older to take the appropriate steps to protect their skin and prevent melanoma.
Being exposed to the sun for long periods of time increases the potential risk of developing skin cancer. The Team SunSmart program focuses its efforts on teen athletes across the state of New Jersey who regularly practice and compete outdoors. The program will provide information about UV exposure, skin cancer, and the benefits of sunscreen protection to high school athletes across the state. Furthermore, the RFMF will be providing 86,000 athletes with sunscreen to encourage high school athletes to protect their skin.
Skin cancer, or melanoma, is the second most common cancer in young adults, according to the news article; just two serious sunburns in a child’s life doubles the risk of developing skin cancer later on. Conversely, children and teens who wear sun block on a daily basis reduce their risk of developing melanoma by up to 70 percent. Though it can be fatal, melanoma is the most curable form of cancer when diagnosed and treated in its early stage.
Early diagnosis is the first step in effectively treating and curing cancer, regardless of the type. If a healthcare professional fails to properly and timely diagnose the cancer it will increase the patient’s risk of mortality and decrease chances of recovery and survival.
At Blume Forte, our dedicated New Jersey failure to diagnose melanoma attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of patients who have suffered as the result of a failed cancer diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
To determine whether your potential claim may have merit, contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.