Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Skin Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the most common and often avoidable form of cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer. Nationwide, 3.3 million cases are reported annually, including over 13,000 in Pima County alone. Sun exposure on unprotected skin is the primary cause of skin cancer, and it is a year-round threat. Other risk factors include the use of tanning equipment, family history, and increasing age. Typically, this type of cancer is treated with Mohs surgery, but today I am pleased to note a nonsurgical alternative is available in Arizona, which means those afraid of surgery can now seek treatment. I congratulated Tucson dermatologist Marc Epstein for being the first in southern Arizona to provide this new standard of care. This method avoids all potential complications of surgery, using a low-level x-ray precisely targeted through the use of ultrasound imaging, with a rate of cure of over 99 percent. Given that most States now offer this nonsurgical treatment, and more than 50,000 patients have been treated successfully with it, no one should avoid timely treatment for this common skin cancer. This month and always, I hope all Arizonans will take the simple skin care precautions necessary to prevent skin cancer. Protecting Unaccompanied Minors”