[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1518-E1519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
LEADING MELANOMA RESEARCHERS ESTABLISH LINK BETWEEN UV EXPOSURE AND
SKIN CANCER
______
HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I want to bring to my
colleagues' attention a powerful statement from more than 500 of the
world's leading skin cancer researchers on the harmful effects of over-
exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
The petition was prompted by a national media campaign initiated by
the indoor tanning industry, which seeks to dispel the link between
melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and UV exposure from
natural or artificial sources (such as tanning beds).
Backed by clear, evidence-based data demonstrating the harmful
effects of UV radiation, nearly 500 of the world's premier melanoma
researchers expressed their concern by signing a petition affirming the
role of UV exposure in increasing one's risk for skin cancer. Please
find below the official language of the statement signed by nearly 500
researchers:
Melanoma Research Foundation and Society for Melanoma Research's UV
Exposure & Tanning Joint Statement
There are clear, evidence-based data demonstrating harmful
effects of UVA and UVB radiation, including carcinogenic/
mutagenic effects on DNA. Purposeful exposure to UV rays
increases the risk for skin cancer, including multiple types
which may be lethal. Use of indoor tanning (outside of
medical practice) represents one of the most striking
examples of an avoidable cause of lethal cancer in man. We
deplore any efforts to distort scientific research for
financial gain, and urge regulatory agencies to crackdown on
this practice because the lives of so many people, including
young people, are at stake.
The petition was prompted specifically by two ads the Indoor Tanning
Association (ITA) ran earlier this year. The ads not only distort
scientific research, but ignore the clear, evidence-based data
demonstrating harmful effects of UVA and UVB radiation.
I am attaching a press release issued by the Society for Melanoma
Research and the Melanoma Research Foundation accompanying the public
release of the petition.
Researchers Take Hard Line Against UV Exposure--Hundreds Affirm Harmful
Effects of Ultraviolet Rays, Discourage Intentional Tanning
Washington, DC.--Researchers have expressed concern over a
new campaign initiated by the tanning industry, which seeks
to dispel the link between melanoma, the most serious form of
skin cancer, and UV exposure from natural or artificial
sources (such as tanning beds). In response, nearly 500 of
the foremost experts on melanoma signed a statement affirming
the existence of evidence-based data demonstrating the
harmful effects of UVA and UVB radiation. The statement,
which was initiated at the 5th Melanoma Research Congress in
Sapporo, Japan on May 7-12, not only states that UV rays
increase one's risk for skin cancer, including melanoma, but
also maintains that the use of indoor tanning (outside of
medical practice) represents an example of an avoidable cause
of lethal cancer.
Studies show that UV light is a carcinogen (i.e. causes
cancer). This occurs when skin cells are damaged after UV
exposure (either from the sun or a tanning bed). The same DNA
damage that triggers tanning also appears capable of causing
cancerous mutations in skin cells. If those mutations are not
completely repaired--as frequently occurs--skin cancers may
result. Additional data demonstrates that indoor tanning
devices emit UV radiation that is similar to, and sometimes
more powerful than, that emitted by the sun. In fact, a
systematic review of worldwide data, published in the March
2007 issue of the International Journal of Cancer, found a
prominent, consistent increase--75 percent--in risk for
melanoma in people who begin using tanning beds in their
teens or twenties. Additionally, the review also showed that
people across all age groups who have ever used tanning beds
face a 15 percent higher risk of developing melanoma than
those who have not. Even more dramatic increases were seen in
certain non-melanoma forms of skin cancer, such as squamous
cell carcinoma, a tumor that only on occasion spreads from
the skin and may then be lethal.
Many scientists also point out that vitamin D, although
produced in the skin, can easily be obtained by non-UV
related means, such as dietary supplements. These dietary
supplements would not carry the risk of cancer associated
with UV radiation, in cases where increased vitamin D levels
are deemed beneficial.
The Melanoma Research Foundation's (MRF) Scientific
Advisory Committee stated, ``The petition was developed to
reinforce that the scientific community continues to stand
behind strong data supporting the connection between skin
cancer and UV-exposure. As physicians and scientists, we are
concerned that this campaign may confuse the public, putting
them at an increased risk for a disease that is too often
lethal.''
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S.
and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes.
In fact, one in 50 people have a lifetime risk of developing
melanoma. Further, approximately 65 percent of all melanomas
are attributed to UV exposure resulting from natural and
artificial sources.
A wealth of information exists about how to reduce the risk
of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, yet both MRF
and SMR advise that the most important measure the public can
take is to avoid intentional sunbathing and indoor tanning
devices. For those who want to learn safe ways to access to
vitamin D and look ``tan,'' or for more information about
melanoma and UV exposure, please visit www.melanoma.org or
www.societymelanomaresearch.org.
About Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of
the fastest growing cancers in the U.S., and can strike
people of all ages, all races and both sexes. One in 50
people have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. In fact,
in 2008, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be
diagnosed with invasive melanoma, resulting in an estimated
8,400 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for
young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common
cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.
Nationally, one person dies of melanoma nearly every hour--
and this number is rising.
About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest
private, national organization devoted to melanoma in the
United
[[Page E1519]]
States. The Foundation is committed to the support of medical
research in finding effective treatments and eventually a
cure for melanoma. The Foundation also educates patients and
physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
melanoma, while acting as an advocate for the melanoma
community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for
a cure. The MRF Web site is the premiere source for melanoma
information seekers. More information is available at
www.melanoma.org.
About the Society for Melanoma Research
The Society for Melanoma Research (SMR) is an all-volunteer
group of scientists working to find the mechanisms
responsible for melanoma and, consequently, new therapies for
this cancer. SMR contributes to advances in melanoma research
by bringing together researchers to unite the scientific
community and hasten the discovery of preventative and
curative therapies. More information is available at
www.societymelanomaresearch.org.
____________________