We applaud your editorial, "First lady's missed chance" that appeared on Tuesday, December 26, 2006 for your astuteness in taking this opportunity to educate people about a serious condition, squamous cell carcinoma, which affects more than 200,000 people a year and kills 2500.  Numerous studies show that sun exposure greatly increases a person's risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.  In fact, one study showed that two or more sunburns per year in childhood increased the risk of squamous cell carcinoma ten fold. However, empowering people to embrace sun safe behavior is an ongoing challenge.

Here are The Skin Cancer Foundation's Prevention Tips:

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas, 30 minutes before going outside.  Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin from head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

We hope that your efforts to educate people about squamous cell carcinoma will encourage people to protect themselves from the sun.

Perry Robins, MD
President
The Skin Cancer Foundation