SR916: SR916 Skin Cancer Awareness Day; recognize March 9, 2026

26 LC 112 3798 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 other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, melanoma and other skin cancers are one of the most pr eventable, yet fatal,3 forms of cancer, accounting for more than 50 percent of all can cers combined, including4 breast, lung, and prostate cancer; and5 WHEREAS, one American dies of melanoma every 67 minutes, and th e estimated total6 direct annual cost of melanoma treatment exceeds $290 million; and7 WHEREAS, it is reported that of the one million newly diagnosed cases of melanoma and8 other skin cancers each year, an estimated 10,710 people will die; and9 WHEREAS, the objectives of the Georgia Society of Dermatology a nd Dermatologic10 Surgery are to promote the highest possible standards of clinic al practice, education, and11 research in dermatologic medicine and surgery and related disciplines; to promote the public12 interest relating to dermatology; to advocate on behalf of derm atology and high-quality13 patient care; and to provide a forum for the discussion of medi cal and practice related14 problems; and15 S. R. 916 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3798 WHEREAS, the Atlanta Dermatological Association is an associati on of dermatologists16 practicing in the greater Atlanta area, dedicated to promoting the highest possible standards17 of clinical practice, education, and research in dermatologic medicine, surgery, and related18 disciplines while promoting the public interest relating to dermatology and providing a forum19 for the discussion of medical and practice related problems; and20 WHEREAS, the mission of the Skin Cancer Awareness Network Found ation is to create21 public awareness of the dangers of excessive or unprotected dir ect exposure to the sun or22 both and to educate people about preventive safety measures to avoid or lessen the chances23 of developing melanoma or one of the other preventable skin cancers; and24 WHEREAS, it is necessary to encourage public awareness of the d angers of excessive or25 unprotected direct exposure to the sun and to educate people ab out preventive safety26 measures to avoid or lessen the chances of developing melanoma or one of the other27 preventable skin cancers while still being able to safely enjoy outdoor activities.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29 encourage all Georgians to have a greater awareness of the risks of skin cancer and the need30 for early diagnosis of skin cancer and recognize March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness31 Day at the state capitol.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed33 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Society34 of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Atlanta Dermatological Association, and the35 Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation.36 S. R. 916 - 2 -