Recent Events
July 27, 2011
At Women In Government's Oncology Task Force held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Katie Guccione Chandra spoke to legislators about Addressing the United States skin cancer epidemic. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer rates in the United States have reached epidemic proportions. Each year, there are more than one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed, and, at current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. This can impact families, communities, and healthcare costs. Ms. Chandra spoke on behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology Association on what individuals can do to promote long term changes in their learned behaviors in regards to skin cancer.
Katie Guccione Candra also addressed State Cancer Plans, which some states have, and encouraged legislators to make sure that their states have components that promote early detection. Another option that legislators can consider is to limit use of indoor tanning beds, or even prohibit the use of tanning beds for minors under the age of 18. To view her presentation, please click here.
Please click on the additional links below to view materials about limiting the use of indoor tanning beds, and promoting safe skin habits
About Skin Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country, and about 
one million Americans develop skin cancer each year. Prevalence is on the rise and according to current estimates, 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma; each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it develops. Skin cancer generally forms in the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), so a tumor is often times clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. As a result, the cure rate for skin cancer could be 100 percent, if all skin cancers were brought to a doctor's attention as soon as they were identified.
Melanoma, the third most common type of skin cancer, is most dangerous, especially among young people. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 9,000 people die each year from skin cancer and about 7,000 of these deaths are from melanoma. About 65 percent to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight. Other risk factors for skin cancer include heredity, smoking, environmental or occupational exposure to chemical compounds, previous sunburns, skin type, and/or an immunodeficiency.
The costs for cancer in the United States each year is approximately $107 billion. This cost includes $37 billion for direct medical costs, $11 billion for morbidity costs (cost of lost productivity), and $59 billion for mortality costs.
What States Can Do
- Develop and promote skin cancer education and awareness campaigns and programs
- Adopt tanning bed regulations such as age and usage limitations
- Support incentive programs for clinicians in prevention efforts
- Pass along Public Service Announcements from The American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org/media/psa/index.html
- For further policy and advocacy tips contact:
Kathryn Guccione Chandra, MA
Assistant Director, State Policy
American Academy of Dermatology Association
1445 New York, Ave., NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005-2134
Tel. 202-712-2615
kchandra@aad.org
Read More
Press Release: The Federal Trade Commission case against The Indoor Tanning Association
Consumer Health Information from The Food and Drug Administration
American Academy of Dermatology Facts about Skin Cancer
Legislation
2009 Massachusetts Senate Bill 284: Establishes a skin cancer and sun safety education program in public schools
2009 New York Assembly Bill 5492: Requires tanning facilities to post on each ultraviolet radiation device a label that informs customers regarding the risks of skin cancer
2009 Pennsylvania Senate Resolution 338: Recognizes the month of May 2010 as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Resources
National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/skin
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/
The Skin Cancer Foundation http://www.skincancer.org/
American Cancer Society http://www.cancer.org
American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org/
