Santa Monica, CA – May 9, 2006 – Fifty years of medical studies show that sun exposure is a primary component in the development of melanoma, the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer, a new report by dermatologists shows.

With summer in the northern hemisphere approaching, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery issued a reminder that overwhelming clinical evidence shows that overexposure to the sun is the leading cause of the most common cancer diagnosed in Americans, and plays a key role in development of melanoma, the most deadly form of the disease.

Led by Dr. Elisabeth Shim, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Keck USC Medical School of Medicine in Los Angeles researchers conducted an extensive review of clinical and epidemiologic studies published during the past 50 years. They report the results of the review in the April 2006 issue of Dermatologic Surgery.

"Though genetics may play a role in the development of some melanomas, there's overwhelming evidence that shows sun exposure adversely affects patients both with and without genetic predisposition to melanoma," said Shim in a prepared statement.

The evidence did not clearly show what pattern of sun exposure causes melanoma. It remains unknown whether cancer is more likely caused by short, intense intermittent or a long accumulation of exposure. Likewise it was not clear which types of sun radiation is most harmful, whether it is ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or both are responsible for causing melanoma.

Regardless of the source of the exposure, the society issued a sun exposure warning. With summer quickly approaching, the society underscores the need to protect yourself by using sunscreen and sun protective measures to prevent melanoma, and other skin cancers, despite current controversy.

Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures visit www.asds.net.

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