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BETHESDA, Md.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 18, 1998-- Speaking out today at a medical conference sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the FDA and seven other government agencies, Dr. Michael F. Holick, a professor of medicine and dermatology at the Boston University School of Medicine, strongly urged all sunscreen manufacturers to use warning labels, regarding UV exposure, on sunscreen products.
Holick said that despite the increase in sunscreen use, skin cancer rates are continuing to rise. Although sales in the sun-care category rose 11 percent in 1997 in the United States, the number of melanoma cases reported have continued to rise, about 4 percent each year, since the 1970s. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, will strike more than 40,000 Americans this year.
``Many consumers don't realize that sunscreens have never been clinically proven to prevent skin cancer. This false sense of security may be encouraging sunbathers to stay out in the sun longer than they normally would, thus accounting for the rise in skin cancer rates,'' said Holick.
While many consumer products, including children's toys, music CDs and even bed mattresses contain warning labels, most sunscreen labels do not. Only one sunscreen manufacturer, California Tan, based in Los Angeles, currently places warning labels on sunscreen bottles. The warnings read: ``With sunscreen protection, UV exposure can still lead to skin cancer and premature aging, even if you don't burn.''
Although warning labels are not currently mandated by the FDA, Holick would like to see other sunscreen manufacturers, such as Schering-Plough, manufacturer of the popular Coppertone sunscreen label, take the responsible step by following California Tan's example.
Holick is an endocrinologist; a professor of medicine, physiology and dermatology; and a renowned researcher in the areas of vitamin D, skin and bone health, and sunlight exposure at the Boston University School of Medicine. Holick also serves as the director of the Heliotherapy Light and Skin Research Center at the Boston University of Medicine, which is dedicated to the study of both the positive and negative effects of sun and UV-light exposure on the body.
California Tan is a leading sun-care product manufacturer based in Los Angeles.
California Tan, Los Angeles
310/824-2508
Jennifer Stevenson, ext. 281
Kimberlee Mitchell, ext. 258
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