Missy Gough, (847) 240-1734, [email protected]
Karen Klickmann, (847) 240-1735, [email protected]
Jennifer Gale, (847) 240-1730, [email protected]
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY APPLAUDS FDA EXTENSION OF SUNSCREEN MONOGRAPH
SCHAUMBURG, ILL. (July 6, 2000) -- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) supports the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to extend the effective date for a sunscreen monograph that would cap the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of all sunscreens at 30. However, the AAD is still concerned that the FDA's decision on the sunscreen monograph may be detrimental to the public because it will inhibit research for better sun protection. Under the cap, sunscreen makers will no longer be allowed to claim that sunscreens have an SPF of more than 30, even if, in fact, they do.
The FDA extended the final monograph in response to a citizen petition requesting that the monograph address the formulation, labeling and testing requirements for both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation protection.
"The AAD is encouraged that the FDA has heard our concerns about the final sunscreen monograph and, subsequently, extended the effective date," said Richard K. Scher, M.D., President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Our goal all along has been to ensure that consumers continue to have their choice of the best available protection in sunscreens, which are vital in the fight against skin cancer."
To protect against melanoma, the AAD recommends the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. However, individuals with highly photosensitive skin, those on sun-sensitizing medicines, and those with high skin cancer risk factors - fair skin, light hair, a family history of skin cancer and numerous moles - often require sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
In fact, a new study by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and the University of British Columbia, published in the June 14, 2000 edition of The Journal of the American Medical Association, determined that the use of a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen greatly decreased the number of new moles developed in Caucasian children over a three-year period, thereby reducing their risk for skin cancer.
Skin cancer rates have reached epidemic levels in this country and are projected to rise well into the next century. The incidence of all skin cancers has increased between 4 percent to 5 percent annually to more than 1.3 million new cases a year. Of that total, it is estimated that approximately 47,700 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- this year. This year alone, approximately 7,700 deaths will be attributed to melanoma, about one every hour.
Sunscreen use is part of the AAD's recommended sun protection program that also includes sun avoidance between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sun protective clothing.
While many people may know that skin cancer can kill them, few individuals realize how disfiguring it can be. More than 900,000 Americans will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer this year. While non-melanoma skin cancers have a better than 95 percent cure rate, many of these individuals may lose a nose, an eye, or an ear if this invasive skin cancer is not detected and treated early.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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