ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Hundreds of Denver Broncos fans were screened for skin cancer while showing their support for the team during last weekend's training camp practices. The skin screenings were offered by the Broncos in partnership with Melanoma Exposed (TM) -- a new public awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness of melanoma and its risk factors and to encourage people to get screened.
Every Broncos fan needs to take melanoma seriously. Not only is it the deadliest form of skin cancer, claiming the life of one American every hour, but it can affect anyone -- Coloradans are no exception. In fact, Colorado has the second highest melanoma death rate in the country, and living at a higher elevation can increase a person's risk for developing the disease.
One of the Broncos own cheerleaders, Toni G., was impacted by the disease when her mother was diagnosed with melanoma.
"In the case of my mom, fortunately the melanoma was caught early and treated properly, and she is now doing well," Toni said. "Through that experience, I've learned that when it comes to melanoma, the key is to catch it early. That's why knowing your risk factors and getting regular skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist are an important part of protecting yourself and your loved ones against melanoma."
Toni's mom is just one of many who have been affected by melanoma. Approximately 70,000 people are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Toni was among the Broncos fans who got a free skin cancer screening at a training camp practice last week.
"I was proud to see the great turnout at last week's Melanoma Exposed tent, as we really can make a difference and potentially save lives through screenings," Toni said. "I encourage my friends and family to get regular skin cancer screenings with the dermatologist, and I encourage everyone -- Broncos fan or not -- to do the same."
The Denver Broncos are excited for the Melanoma Exposed campaign to join them again this weekend at the team's Summer Scrimmage event on Saturday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Make sure to visit the Melanoma Exposed tent for free skin cancer screenings from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Summer Scrimmage. For more information about melanoma, risk factors and how to protect yourself and your loved ones against the disease, visit MelanomaExposed.com.
