USF Health joins grassroots movement to toughen sunscreen standards nationwide
USF Health has joined a nationwide effort to toughen sunscreen standards set by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Neil Alan Fenske, MD, Chair of the Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, College of Medicine, directed his concerns to FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eshenbach, MD. Dr. Fenske’s letter is part of the grassroots effort being organized by Citizens for Sun Protection, a coalition of cancer survivors, corporations and concerned citizens from across the country. The USF Health letter urges the FDA to toughen sunscreen standards, requiring products sold in the U.S. to include SPF ratings that measure UVA rays, as well as currently measured UVB rays. The letter sent on behalf of USF Health was signed by Dr. Fenske from the College of Medicine; Dean Patricia Burns, PhD, RN, College of Nursing; and Dean Donna Petersen, MHS, ScD, College of Public Health. According to national statistics, skin cancer rates are on the rise. The American Cancer Society predicts that more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. A decision from the FDA is expected after the Summer 2007.
