Joyce Participates in Congressional Skin Cancer Briefing with Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14), the Co-Chair of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus participated in a discussion with health experts and industry leaders about improving sun safety measures and promoting sunscreen innovation. The briefing addressed how to close the gap with global UV protection standards and reduce skin cancer incidence through education and stronger collaboration between the medical community, patient advocates, government, and the personal care products industry. 

“I was honored to participate in this roundtable briefing with industry leaders to raise awareness for sun safety,” said Congressman Joyce. “As a survivor of melanoma and Co-Chair of the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, I understand the importance of sun protection. By collaborating between public and private sectors, we can create innovative solutions to reduce melanoma rates in Ohio and across the country.” 

“The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and our member companies are committed to ensuring all U.S. consumers have access to the most innovative sun protection products that meet a wide range of consumer preferences,” said PCPC General Counsel Tom Myers. “However, nearly 10 years after enacting the Sunscreen Innovation Act, designed to improve the pathway for approvals, no new filters have been approved in the U.S., leaving American consumers without the latest global sunscreen advancements. As skin cancer rates continue to rise, we look forward to working with Congress to modernize U.S. regulations to enhance innovation and ensure consumers have broader access to the safest, most effective products they expect and deserve.” – Tom Myers, General Counsel, Personal Care Products Council

“With nearly 187,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) works alongside government agencies such as the CDC, medical professionals, skin care companies and patients and caregivers to advocate for and educate all about the importance of daily usage of sunscreen as a means to prevent melanoma as well as other skin cancers, a critical goal of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative to reduce cancer related deaths by 50% over the next 25 years. The FDA’s current proposal severely limits consumers’ access to legitimate sunscreens with globally recognized safe ingredients and ultimately raises concerns surrounding healthy equity for underserved populations, particularly people of color or those living in rural or low-income communities.” – Kim Watkins, MRF Director of Advocacy.

“The Public Access to SunScreens (PASS) Coalition applauds the Skin Cancer Caucus for taking action to identify solutions to reduce the rate of skin cancer in the United States. The Surgeon General estimates nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer at a cost that exceeds $8.1 billion each year, however the United States has not approved a new over-the-counter sunscreen active ingredient since the 1990s. Reducing the rate of skin cancer will require a whole of government approach. The PASS Coalition looks forward to working with the Skin Cancer Caucus to set appropriate policy and enact critical legislation that will ensure Americans have access to sunscreens and evidence-based education on sun-safe practices.” – Joel Roberson, Policy Advisor to the PASS Coalition.