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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Acting U.S. Surgeon General Boris Lushniak will be in New Mexico to talk about ways schools and parents can work together to prevent skin cancer.
Lushniak and New Mexico Health Secretary Retta Ward are scheduled to visit Bandelier Elementary School in Albuquerque on Tuesday. They will be meeting with school officials, parents and students.
Even though most skin cancers can be prevented, federal health officials say skin cancer rates are increasing across the country. The average annual cost of treating skin cancers now tops $8 billion.
Officials say New Mexico has one of the highest incidences and mortality rates of melanoma among non-Hispanic white individuals. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
During his visit, Lushniak will tour the elementary school's "sun-wise" playground and athletic fields.
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