North Central resident and melanoma survivor Sharon McKenna recently was recognized by U.S. Surgeon General Boris D. Lushniak for her advocacy in the Arizona SunWise Skin Cancer Prevention Program (submitted photo).
Arizona skin cancer advocate and North Central resident Sharon McKenna recently was honored for her efforts by U.S. Surgeon General Boris D. Lushniak at his national Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.
McKenna, a melanoma survivor, manages the Arizona SunWise Skin Cancer Prevention Program, and is credited with implementing the nation’s first sun safety education mandate. Arizona is considered a model for skin cancer prevention efforts, with more than 250 partners.
McKenna oversees a curriculum mandate for Arizona’s 1,100 public schools, speaks at 300 free events annually across the state, and serves on national task forces and boards.
One in five Arizonans develop skin cancer. McKenna, 48, has undergone 31 procedures. Most skin cancers can be prevented, yet rates—including melanoma—are increasing in the United States. Skin cancer has become one of the most common types of cancer among teens and young adults.
Read the Call to Action and learn how to prevent skin cancer at www.surgeongeneral.gov.
