Senate Resolution 916
By: Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hufstetler of the 52nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Anderson
of the 24th, Summers of the 13th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, melanoma and other skin cancers are one of the most preventable, yet fatal,
forms of cancer, accounting for more than 50 percent of all cancers combined, including
breast, lung, and prostate cancer; and
WHEREAS, one American dies of melanoma every 67 minutes, and the estimated total
direct annual cost of melanoma treatment exceeds $290 million; and
WHEREAS, it is reported that of the one million newly diagnosed cases of melanoma and
other skin cancers each year, an estimated 10,710 people will die; and
WHEREAS, the objectives of the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic
Surgery are to promote the highest possible standards of clinical practice, education, and
research in dermatologic medicine and surgery and related disciplines; to promote the public
interest relating to dermatology; to advocate on behalf of dermatology and high-quality
patient care; and to provide a forum for the discussion of medical and practice related
problems; and
WHEREAS, the Atlanta Dermatological Association is an association of dermatologists
practicing in the greater Atlanta area, dedicated to promoting the highest possible standards
of clinical practice, education, and research in dermatologic medicine, surgery, and related
disciplines while promoting the public interest relating to dermatology and providing a forum
for the discussion of medical and practice related problems; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation is to create
public awareness of the dangers of excessive or unprotected direct exposure to the sun or
both and to educate people about preventive safety measures to avoid or lessen the chances
of developing melanoma or one of the other preventable skin cancers; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to encourage public awareness of the dangers of excessive or
unprotected direct exposure to the sun and to educate people about preventive safety
measures to avoid or lessen the chances of developing melanoma or one of the other
preventable skin cancers while still being able to safely enjoy outdoor activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
encourage all Georgians to have a greater awareness of the risks of skin cancer and the need
for early diagnosis of skin cancer and recognize March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness
Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Society
of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Atlanta Dermatological Association, and the
Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation.