The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) and 21 other leading dermatologic associations and skin cancer prevention organizations, are calling on the U.S. Surgeon General to renew the Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer.
In 2014, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Boris Lushniak released a critical Call to Action for all Americans to combat skin cancer and declared skin cancer a public health crisis. While the 2014 Call to Action resulted in successful efforts, skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the U.S. with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year – more than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancers combined.
“Skin cancer affects people of all ages, including children. Kids are often outside, with studies that show more than 40% of a person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs before they are 20 years old, and multiple childhood sunburns double your risk of developing skin cancer later in life,” said ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD, in a news release.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called for more ways to protect kids and adults from the sun, including sunscreen use and protective clothing.
“The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) stands with ASDSA and other partners in calling on the Surgeon General to prioritize skin cancer prevention measures. Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the U.S. with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year. It is essential that we raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure and the high incidences of skin cancer,” adds AADA President Seemal R. Desai, MD.
The expert signatories look forward to the opportunity to engage with the Surgeon General and policymakers, including continued partnership with the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, to spearhead this effort to raise awareness and do more to protect Americans from skin cancer.
