Melanoma is the number one cancer diagnosed in young white females in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer among teens. Early detection is the ONLY way to prevent it from becoming deadly. The New England area has the highest concentration of melanoma cases, partially due to weather patterns of intermittent, intense sunlight which increases residents' risk.

'One of the best ways to reach young people and educate them is by offering melanoma education programs through the schools. We can reduce melanoma incidence by teaching skin cancer prevention and early detection. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Yet, it is easily recognizable and preventable. By educating young people and their caretakers (parents, nurses and teachers), we can save lives,' explained Maguire-Eisen.

'We also want to create an awareness of the dangers of tanning beds,' explained Dr. Eisen, who is the founder of South Shore Skin Center, one of Massachusetts' most innovative dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic in their Cohasset and Plymouth offices. 'Females in particular, are jeopardizing their health by frequenting tanning salons. Tanning beds are very popular with females age 16 to 25, as well as with those who use tanning beds before going on vacation. Contrary to popular belief, 'pre-tanning' in an effort to build a resistance to sunburn really only offers an SPF of 2 to 4, which is too low to be considered protection.'

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), tanning booth exposure can cause cataracts and eye damage, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. The AAD also concurs that women who use tanning beds more than once a month increase their risk of skin cancer by 55 percent.

'It's imperative that we pass this important, life saving information on to students and their parents. Now, more than ever, people must take precautions when in the sun and avoid tanning booths altogether,' noted Dr. Eisen.

To learn more or to arrange comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, contact Maryellen Maguire-Eisen at 781-875-1SPF (1773) or visit www.melanomaprevention.org.

About the Children's Melanoma Preventaion Foundation

The Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation, located in Hingham, Mass., delivers a comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, to school children in Massachusetts. The foundation's 'Learn Not 2 Burn' is delivered primarily to children in elementary schools and teaches both skin cancer prevention and early detection. For more information, contact 781-875-1SPF (1773) or visit www.melanomaprevention.org.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts' most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

Cosmetic services include Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. South Shore Skin Center offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.