Details From F.D.A. Web Site
June 8, 1999
Those sunny skies and high temperatures are hitting Utah, just as the
government issues new guidelines to protect yourself from the sun.
News Specialist John Daley explains.
Reports of warmer weather ahead will send many Utahns scrambling to find
sunscreen to protect themselves from the most common form of cancer, skin
cancer.
But which to choose?
The government is trying to help, by clearing up conflicting claims about
sunscreen.
Is there such a thing as a true sunblock?
Is an SPF of 30 high enough, or should it be 45?
Is it waterproof or just water resistant?
The F.D.A. is trying to clear up all these questions.
Dr. Larry Meyer, University of Utah associate professor of dermatology, says,
"It's very difficult to measure the differences the way it's currently done in
a testing laboratory."
But under the new requirements, manufacturers can no longer use the term
sunblock.
And to go with the SPF numbers, mandatory descriptions--
SPF 2 to 11 will be labeled minumum protection
12 to 29-- moderate
30 plus-- high.
And soon, makers will have to stop using numbers higher than 30 because of
questions about the accuracy of testing.
Dermatologists disagree with that limitation.
Dr. Meyer explains, "I think that's a disincentive to companies
manufacturing still better sunscreens, that come closer to being a true
sunblock."
One more rule. No product will be able to claim it's waterproof, because the
F.D.A. says there's no such thing.
Sunscreen manufacturers have two years to switch to the new labels.
There's no magic formula to protect yourself against the sun's killer
rays.
But there is hope for those who suffer from the most deadly form of skin
cancer - melanoma.
Doctors are using an experimental vaccine to keep a melanoma from returning
in those who've already had skin cancer.
The vaccine is a series of shots over six weeks.
Skin cancer survivor, Rosemary Forbes, says, "I'm hoping that it works. To this
point there hasn't been a reoccurence. I haven't had any form of anything."
The vaccine is not designed for people who have not yet developed skin
cancer.
But Dr. Meyer says that may be a possibility after more study.
Dr. Meyer says the best protection against skin cancer is, of course, to wear
plenty of sunscreen, long sleeved shirts and pants, and a brimmed hat.
