The PASS Coalition is a multi-stakeholder coalition of health organizations, sunscreen ingredient companies, dermatologists and consumers who will work collaboratively with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a framework for approval of the next generation of ultraviolet (UV) light active filters for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens.
According to a recent national survey, 85 percent of Americans use sunscreen in their daily lives, and 86 percent support a program to ensure access to the latest sunscreen products and technology in the United States.
Fight against cancer
"In 2010, new clinical research on humans showed more convincingly than ever that sunscreen helps protect against melanoma and other skin cancers," said Shelby Moneer, health educator at the Melanoma Research Foundation.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer within their lifetime, according to the SkinCancer.org.
However, a recent World Health Organization report determined that skin cancer is preventable, with daily sunscreen use reducing the incidence of melanoma by half.
In the last week a report in the journal Cancer suggested that a dose of aspirin a few times a week may help reduce the risk of developing melanoma, despite not being considered a replacement for sunscreen protection.
Time to act
"America is a leader in innovation and scientific advancement, and yet while advanced sunscreen technology is available globally, it isn't available in the U.S," said Al Pearce, senior marketing manager, Personal Care for BASF.
"The PASS Coalition intends to play an active role in calling on lawmakers and regulators to join forces to provide the public with the most effective and innovative sunscreens available."
According to statistics compiled by the Skin Cancer Foundation, each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined frequencies of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
"Today skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States," said Harry Fallick, MD, board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and CEO of Fallene LDT. "It only takes one bad sun burn before adulthood to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life."