Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Melanoma Awareness Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1267

BY: M. of A. Lunsford

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 2026, as Melanoma Awareness Month in  the  State
        of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Melanoma Awareness  Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Melanoma Month; and

  WHEREAS, The American Academy of Dermatology has designated National
Melanoma  Month  to  raise awareness about skin cancer; many events have
been planned focused on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and
skin cancer screening and resources; and

  WHEREAS, Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United
States, and Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in  young  people
under 30, especially in young women; and

  WHEREAS,  Melanoma can appear on any area of the body, including the
eyes and internal organs; and

  WHEREAS, Often the first sign of Melanoma is a change in the  shape,
color,  size,  or  feel  of  an existing mole or the appearance of a new
mole; and

  WHEREAS, 86 percent of Melanomas are  caused  by  solar  ultraviolet
(UV) rays; and

  WHEREAS,  To  prevent  Melanoma,  it  is  recommended to avoid using
tanning beds, excessive exposure to  the  sun,  especially  between  the
hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when its rays are the strongest, and to wear
sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants; and

  WHEREAS,  Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces
the risk of developing Melanoma by 50 percent; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body affirms its commitment to promote  an
environment  which supports and encourages vigorous research activities,
and the institutions engaged in those activities, to further skin cancer
research; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body  also  reaffirms  its  commitment  to
foster  efforts directed at the advancement of detection, diagnosis, and
treatment of Melanoma; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim May 2026, as Melanoma
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.