July 29, 2014 - The U.S. Surgeon General has issued a statement citing skin cancer as a “major public health problem” and noting the danger of indoor tanning and sun exposure.
Acting Surgeon General Boris D. Lushniak, M.D., M.P.H., who is a dermatologist, called for both individuals and institutions to do more to help bring down escalating rates of skin cancer. Nearly 5 million people in the United States are treated for skin cancers each year, at a cost of more than $8 billion, Dr. Lushniak notes in the call to action. In addition to encouraging individuals to take sun protective measures, Dr. Lushniak also pointed to the danger of indoor tanning devices — which were classified as class 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization in 2009 — and advised consumers to avoid them.
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