WASHINGTON, DC  – Today is “Don’t Fry Day,” the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend that has become an opportunity to raise awareness about sun safety and encourage everyone to protect their skin throughout the summer.  This year, the U.S. Senate is also encouraging Americans to help prevent skin cancer by passing a resolution co-authored by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) designating May 2017 as “Melanoma Awareness Month.”

The resolution, which passed unanimously, supports the goals and ideals of Melanoma Awareness Month.  This includes supporting research for prevention, detection, treatment and a cure for melanoma.  The resolution also encourages the use of sunscreen and protective clothing and supports initiatives in the medical community to help spread greater awareness of the importance of regular skin checks and the proper application of sunscreen. 

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the Melanoma Research Foundation, over 160,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year.  There are nearly 1 million Americans living with melanoma nationwide and it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in young adults.

“I am pleased to join with Senator Isakson and Senator Durbin in raising awareness of melanoma and encouraging people to protect themselves from sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.  Despite the not-so-sunny statistics about the increase in melanoma rates, there are steps we can all take to help prevent skin cancer.  That includes practicing sun smarts and regular checkups for early detection.  And at the federal level, we must continue to invest wisely in life-saving cancer research that can lead to new treatments, breakthroughs, and cures,” said Senator Reed.

“When more than 160,000 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and nearly 1 million Americans are living with melanoma, we know we have a problem,” said Senator Isakson, a member of the Senate health committee. “As a survivor of melanoma myself, I’m doing all I can to help protect Americans and prevent this form of cancer from becoming more prevalent than it already is.” 

“Melanoma isn’t always the first type of cancer that comes to mind, but this skin cancer can be just as deadly,” said Senator Durbin. “Raising awareness about preventing melanoma, as well as knowing the signs to catch it early, are critical in the fight against this cancer, and we hope that all Americans will be vigilant as summer approaches.” 

“The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds Senators Reed, Isakson and Durbin and their colleagues in the Senate for passing this resolution and sending a strong message that protection from ultraviolet radiation is a priority,” said Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “We are pleased to have contributed to this important resolution, and support continued efforts to encourage more research and promote daily sun-protection strategies such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher.” 

In 2014, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Reed and Isakson to address a regulatory backlog at the Food and Drug Administration blocking U.S. consumers from access to innovative sunscreens widely available in the rest of the world.