Released on: May 29, 2008, 10:12 am

Press Release Author: Melanoma Research Foundation

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Hundreds of researchers affirm harmful effects of ultraviolet
rays and discourage intentional tanning

Press Release Body: WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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 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.

Web Site: http://www.melanoma.org

Contact Details: Deborah@JonesPA.com
(202)742-5256