A joint resolution to designate the week of March 24, 1985, through March 30, 1985, as "National Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Week".
PL 99-6 (H.J.Res.85), enacted 03/22/1985

99 STAT. 16 
PUBLIC LAW 99-6—MAR. 22, 1985 
Public Law 99-6 
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99th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Mar. 22, 1985 
To designate the week of March 24,1985, through March 30,1985, as "National Skin 
[H.J. Res. 85] 
Cancer Prevention and Detection Week". 
Whereas skin cancer, including melanoma and nonmelanoma tj^s, 
is the most common cancer in the United States, accounts for 
between 30 and 40 per centum of all cancers, and is increasing at 
a significant rate; 
Whereas the 1983 National Institutes of Health Consensus Con-
ference on Precursors to Malignant Melanoma found that the 
incidence of melanoma and the number of deaths from melanoma 
are increasing in many areas of the world, and found evidence 
that early recognition and surgical removal of melanoma makes it 
a highly curable cancer; 
Whereas eighteen thousand Americans will develop a primary mela-
noma and over five hundred thousand Americans will develop 
nonmelanoma skin cancer this year; 
Whereas epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of 
melanoma has doubled every decade since the 1930's and is now 
increasing at a faster rate than any other cancer except lung 
cancer in women; 
Whereas melanoma has a fatality rate of 25 per centum and causes 
five thousand deaths per year, and nonmelanoma skin cancer 
causes another two thousand deaths per year; 
Whereas patients at increased risk of developing melanoma and 
nonmelanoma skin cancers can be identified, and early treatment 
of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers results in high cure 
rates for such cancers; 
Whereas sun exposure is an undisputed cause of nonmelanoma 
skin cancer and is an important factor in the development of 
melanoma; 
Whereas the number of skin cancers can be reduced through sun 
protection measures such as the use of sunscreening topical 
lotions and simple changes in lifestyle; 
Whereas Americans should become aware that melanoma and 
nonmelanoma skin cancers are major health problems, and edu-
cation of the general public about prevention of melanoma and 
nonmelanoma skin cancers should become a national concern; 
Whereas the American Academy of Dermatology and State and 
local dermatologic organizations are committed to heightening the 
awareness and understanding of melanoma and nonmelanoma 
skin cancers among members of the general public and the health 
care community; and 
Whereas the first national Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention 
and Detection Program, a coordinated national voluntary effort of 
professional dermatologic organizations to reduce the increasing 
incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers and to 
better control such cancers, will occur during the week of March 
24,1985, through March 30, 1985: Now, therefore, be it 
PUBLIC LAW 99-6—MAR. 22, 1985 
99 STAT. 17 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of 
March 24,1985, through March 30, 1985, is designated as "National 
Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Week", and the President is 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all 
Government agencies and the people of the United States to observe 
such week with appropriate programs and activities. 
Approved March 22, 1985. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 85: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): 
Mar. 7, considered and passed House. 
Mar. 18, considered and passed Senate.