Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Announce 'Skin Cancer Takes Friends' FREE Skin Cancer Screenings

Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Announce 'Skin Cancer Takes Friends' FREE Skin Cancer Screenings

National Campaign during May's Skin Cancer Awareness Encourages Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

http://www.skincancertakesfriends.org

CINCINNATI, May 1, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have joined forces for the third year for "Skin Cancer Takes Friends," a nationwide free skin cancer screening program that encourages Americans to bring their friends to a participating dermasurgeon's office for a free skin cancer screening. Together with "Desperate Housewives" star Marcia Cross, Olay and the ASDS are working to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and detection in the fight against skin cancer.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070501/NYTU171 )

When skin cancer is detected and treated early, it is almost 100 percent curable, yet someone dies of melanoma (the deadliest form of the disease) every 65 minutes! Women aged 20-29 are particularly vulnerable, with melanoma ranking as the second most common form of cancer in the age group. Often the symptoms of skin cancer are elusive to those who do not know what to look for. As the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, Olay and the ASDS urge women to join the fight against this growing silent killer by sharing these shocking statistics with loved ones, conducting monthly self-screenings and scheduling a free screening with a dermatologist for themselves and a friend. Regular screenings combined with daily protection from the sun's harmful UV rays are essential to avoid falling victim to melanoma.

"Too many lives are lost because of failure to identify skin cancer until it has progressed to a more dangerous state. Everyone, even those with no family history of skin cancer, is at risk for this disease and should visit a dermatologist for an annual screening. A trained professional can identify and treat the disease in its earliest stages, and potentially save a life," says Alastair Carruthers, M.D., President of the ASDS and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Medical Center.

Actress Marcia Cross joins in the effort to raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer based on her personal experiences with the disease. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to speak out on behalf of skin cancer awareness, an issue about which I'm extremely passionate. Melanoma has stricken two people very close to me, and I know that I am not alone," says the Emmy-nominated actress. Marcia Cross is dedicated to helping spread the word about this worthwhile program, and about the importance of sun protection and regular screenings in the fight against skin cancer. She will appear on national television to discuss the program and will be featured in promotional materials throughout the course of the campaign.

Over 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year; an astounding number for one of the few cancers where the cause of the majority of cases is known: excessive sun exposure. While some people are more at risk than others, anyone, regardless of skin color or age, can develop skin cancer. To find a dermatologist offering free screenings in your area, visit http://www.skincancertakesfriends.org/, or http://www.asds.net/.

About P&G Beauty (NYSE:PG)

P&G Beauty products help make beauty dreams real and grooming enjoyable everyday for millions of women and men worldwide. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G Beauty delivered sales of more than $21 billion in fiscal year 2005/06, making it a leading global beauty company. P&G Beauty offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs: Pantene(R), Olay(R), Head and Shoulders(R), Max Factor(R), Cover Girl(R), Always(R), Sassoon Professional(R), Wellaflex(R), Rejoice(R), Sebastian Professional(R), Herbal Essences(R), Koleston(R), Clairol Professional(R), Nice 'n Easy(R), Venus(R), Gillette(R), SK-II(R), DDF(R), Wella Professionals(R), Joy(R) by Jean Patou, Rochas(R), Escada(R), Hugo(R), Boss(R) and Lacoste(R) fragrances. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G Beauty and its brands.

About ASDS

With more than 4,200 members, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, founded in 1970, is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons -- board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures, using both surgical and non-surgical methods. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures and referrals to ASDS members, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at http://www.asds.net.

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070501/NYTU171
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN15
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: P&G Beauty

CONTACT: Hallee Dangler, +1-212-891-0407, or Paige Hoffstein,
+1-212-891-0423, both of DeVries Public Relations, for P&G Beauty

Web site:

http://www.skincancertakesfriends.org/
http://www.asds.net/
http://www.pg.com/

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