On Tuesday, United States Surgeon General Dr. Boris Lushniak called for a focus on preventing skin cancer. One way to do this is to instruct children in sun safety, just as they are in dental health.
One thing cited by Dr. Lushniak was to change the American view that tanned skin is a sign of health. In reality, tanned skin is damaged, not healthy.
Approximately five million people are treated for skin cancer each year. There are more than 63,000 cases of melanoma (the deadliest form) each year in the United States. This number increased by more than 200% from 1973 to 2011.
The Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing new sunscreen technology. The House of Representatives recently passed the Sunscreen Innovation Act, which gives the FDA certain windows in which to complete their review of applications for sunscreen ingredients.
Protect yourself and your loved ones this summer through the appropriate use of sunscreen.
