Key Issues
Below are some of the key issues on which the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is taking action. Advocates are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates on state and national issues.
Increased Federal Funding for Melanoma Research and Skin Cancer Prevention
As an advocate for the melanoma community, the MRF works with the following federal agencies to combat melanoma and skin cancer.
Department of Defense: Troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and other regions with intense sun exposure are at long-term risk for melanoma. In 2008, melanoma and skin cancer joined breast, prostate and ovarian cancers in the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
CDMRP represent a unique partnership among the public, Congress and the military. It was established within the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command in 1993, when Congress, in response to grassroots advocacy efforts, tasked the Defense Department with developing and managing an innovative breast cancer program. Since 1993, CDMRP has grown to include programs aimed at other major diseases, including prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and autism.
All CDMRP programs are conducted according to a two-tier review model recommended by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. The first-tier is a peer review of proposals against established criteria for determining scientific and technical merit. The second-tier is a programmatic review, conducted by members of the Integration Panel (an advisory board of leading scientists, clinicians, and consumer advocates), that compares proposals against each other and recommends submissions for funding based on scientific merit, relative innovation and impact, portfolio balance, and overall program goals.
UV Exposure and Vitamin D
For some time now, the tanning industry has promoted the connection between ultraviolet (UV) light and its role in the production of vitamin D within the body. But what the tanning industry is not talking about is the fact that UV exposure is tightly linked to multiple types of skin cancer, several of which can be lethal, including melanoma.
Contrary to the tanning industry’s claims, there is a clear link between all forms of skin cancer and exposure to UV rays from natural or artificial sources (such as tanning beds). While other factors (including genetics) undoubtedly contribute to developing skin cancers, the role of UV is incontrovertible.
It’s important that we remain vigilant in making safe decisions when it comes to UV exposure. The best way to prevent melanoma is to protect yourself from the sun because approximately 65 percent of melanomas are attributed to UV exposure.
While health experts agree that vitamin D deficiencies are associated with several serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart attacks, and some cancers, using UV rays-a known carcinogen-to boost vitamin D levels is not a sound choice for better health.
Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is easily accomplished by diet and taking oral vitamin D supplements rather than UV-induced vitamin D. The two are chemically indistinguishable and the oral form does not pose a cancer risk.
The MRF deplores the tanning industry’s efforts to distort scientific research for their financial gain and calls on state and federal regulatory agencies to address these misleading and dangerous marketing practices. The lives of many people, including young people, are at stake.
