American Cancer Society Responds to Report on Sunscreens and Melanoma

American Cancer Society
Wednesday, 18 February 1998

Atlanta 1998/02/18 - The American Cancer Society responded this afternoon to a report suggesting that sunscreens may not protect users from developing the deadly skin cancer melanoma. The report was presented today at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Philadelphia. The American Cancer Society considers changes in recommendations regarding sun protection to be premature.

"People should not stop using sunscreen because of this study," says Michael Thun, MD, director of analytic epidemiology for the American Cancer Society. "The important message is that using sunscreen is only one of several measures to reduce one's risk of skin cancer. People who burn easily or who develop moles when exposed to the sun should limit their sun exposure and should have exams by a dermatologist," says Dr. Thun.

"Melanoma and other skin cancers are highly preventable," says Dr. Thun. "A useful contribution of this study is to alert people who may be at highest risk to take extra care."

The American Cancer Society estimates that 41,600 persons will be diagnosed with melanoma this year in the U.S., and approximately 7,300 people will die of the disease.

To reduce risk of skin cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends:

- Limit or avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest

- Cover as much skin as possible when outdoors with a hat that shades the face, neck and ears, and a long sleeved shirt and long pants

- Use a sunscreen with a solar protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher

- Protect children from the sun

For more information, or to contact American Cancer Society, see their website at: www.cancer.org