The Foundation is recognized as a major resource on skin cancer for print and electronic media. Coverage of the Foundation and information about skin cancer has been generated on local and national news programs such as Good Morning America and the Today Show, on websites, in magazines from Vogue to US News and World Report, and in newspapers including The New York Times, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

When Back-to-School Shopping, Remember the Sunscreen

August 24, 2010 (New York, NY) – Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you’re free to forget about sun protection. When shopping for back-to-school supplies, make sure to stop by the sunscreen aisle. Children in elementary school usually have outdoor recess between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is especially intense. Just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. So while preparing for school, make sure to remind your children about the importance of applying sunscreen and seeking the shade when outdoors.

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Enjoy the Beach, But Beware of the Sun!

Need for Sun Safety Greater Than Ever

August 9, 2010 (New York, NY) – Summer may be fading fast, but the sun isn’t going anywhere.  People heading to the beach this August should take precautions. With 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, beach goers need to take sun protection more seriously than ever. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are associated with sun exposure.

“The intensity of sun exposure for beach goers is certainly elevated. Both water and sand can reflect up to 80 percent of the sun's rays, adding to your overall exposure,” said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “However, beach and pool activities can be enjoyed safely as long as people take some extra precautions.”

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SUNSCREEN CRITICISMS NOT BASED ON HARD SCIENCE

The Skin Cancer Foundation dispels concerns about sunscreen

July 15, 2010 (New York, NY) – Recent attacks on sunscreens by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the media miss the point that sunscreen continues to be one of the safest and most effective sun protection methods available. Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses and avoiding tanning and UV tanning booths.

“We are concerned that the criticisms will raise unnecessary fears and cause people to stop using sunscreen, doing their skin serious harm,” said Dr. Warwick Morison, MD, chairman of  The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee and Professor of Dermatology at John Hopkins University.  “The EWG has their own system for evaluating things which is nothing more than junk science.”

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Recent comments alleging a relationship between vitamin A in sunscreen and increased risk of melanoma are not supported by published scientific evidence.  After reviewing the recently released report from The Environmental Working Group, The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Photobiology Committee, a group of renowned experts in the study of the interaction of ultraviolet radiation and the skin, have come to the conclusion that there is no scientific evidence to support claims that retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) is a photocarcinogen in humans.  Our photobiologists are unaware of any evidence that supports the relationship between the use of sunscreen containing retinyl palmitate and an increased risk of skin cancer. 

When used as directed, sunscreen products are safe and effective.  Since our inception, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen which includes seeking the shade and covering up with clothing.

Historically, government funding for research on melanoma and the prevention of skin cancer has been disproportionately low. However, the Foundation, along with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, was successful in securing $4 million for melanoma research from the Department of Defense in 2009. In 2010, the goal is $5 million. Recently, the Foundation has gotten very involved in anti-tanning bed advocacy on the federal level by urging the Food and Drug Administration to enact stricter tanning bed regulations.

SCF Medical Device White Paper

FDA Regulation of Tanning Beds: A Summary of the White Paper

SCF Urges the FDA to Enact Stricter Regulations on Tanning Beds

Sign Our Petition Against Tanning Beds

FDA Debates Tougher Cancer Warning on Tanning Beds

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro's Letter to FDA

Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act

Get Involved with SCF Advocacy