In recent years, the topic of skin health has become increasingly important. Skin cancer rates have increased rapidly, making it one of the most common cancers on a global scale, and the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
In light of this information, it is important to generate public awareness by utilizing a proactive approach to healthcare, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with inadequate skin protection, and demand more advancements in sun-protection technology to safeguard the skin. This multifaceted approach can help decrease healthcare costs, lower the prevalence of skin cancer, and save lives in the process.
Building Awareness: Early Detection Strategies and Collaborative Initiatives
Awareness is key, because early detection is critical; the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% when detected early compared to 32% if it is detected late. With this in mind, several companies and nonprofits have already joined forces to share the facts surrounding the disease in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month (May).
For example, NEUTROGENA® launched a partnership with Walgreens in 2021 to support the Melanoma Research Foundation in promoting sun safety. Similarly, the SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign by the AAD, The Big See campaign, and the #SkinCheckChallenge campaign by the Skin Cancer Foundation all encourage getting annual skin exams.
These initiatives empower the general public to take proactive steps and make informed decisions about their skin health. However, it is essential to grasp the urgency of addressing skin cancer because of the impact on public health and the staggering financial burden it places on healthcare systems. Treating all types of skin cancer poses a significant economic challenge, which can amount to an annual cost of about $8 billion.
We can make substantial progress in reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems by recognizing the economic implications of skin cancer and implementing preventive measures like placing restrictions on indoor tanning. These economic savings can instead be utilized to improve patient care, accelerate research and development, and bolster public health initiatives to create a more sustainable and effective healthcare system.
Pioneering Preventive Therapies
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet a study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer predicts the incidence of melanoma will increase more than 50% from 2020 through 2040. This could potentially increase the pressure on the already over-saturated healthcare systems around the world. As such, global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are focused on promoting prevention measures, such as limiting UV exposure, using sunscreens, and wearing protective clothing to protect the skin and help decrease the chances of developing skin cancer.
Companies like Merck and Moderna are leading the way in the advancement of preventive treatments for melanoma, such as the intravenous immunotherapy drug, KEYTRUDA (Pembrolizumab) to be used in combination with the melanoma vaccine, which is currently in the final stages of testing, and awaiting final approval. This combination has demonstrated excellent results at helping the body target and fight tumor cells, and may turn into the first stepping stone for the development of other cancer vaccines. These developments may change the future of cancer treatments and may even impact healthcare costs.
In addition to transformative pharmaceutical breakthroughs, utilizing a preventive healthcare approach can also help alleviate healthcare costs and, most importantly, save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are close to 34,000 emergency department visits in the United States for sunburns each year, which can cost up to $11 million. Plus, Mohs micrographic surgery to remove skin cancer can cost up to $4,000.
As pharmaceutical advancements continue to push the boundaries of skin cancer prevention and treatments, the integration of innovative therapies and proactive healthcare strategies can help control the rising incidence of skin cancer.
Disparities in Sunscreen Technology
The striking differences in sunscreen formulas available across various regions of the world have flagged a concerning issue: Regulatory disparities in sunscreen technology. In the U.S., sunscreens are considered an over-the-counter (OTC) drug regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the other hand, sunscreens are considered cosmetics in Europe and Asia, allowing the region’s chemists and manufacturers to use innovative UV filters in their sunscreen formulas, while U.S. manufacturers have a limited list of available filters.
Given this, it will be difficult to capitalize on any new sunscreen technology in the United States. As such, some companies are pushing for the U.S. approval of new sunscreen filters, like DSM is doing with bemotrizinol (BEMT). Still, the path to introducing new filter technology in the United States faces several challenges. Whether it’s approving new filter technologies on a one-by-one basis or changing the FDA’s sunscreen approval process, as the Sunscreen Innovation Act attempted to do, the U.S. needs to catch up with the rest of the world.
A Global Call to Action: Combining Regulations and Communication Strategies to Enhance Public Health and Promote Skin Cancer Prevention
The pursuit of harmonized sunscreen regulations across nations not only serves to enhance public health but also fosters a collaborative, global effort to combat the devastating impact of skin cancer. Stakeholders in the healthcare industry, regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and the public must advocate for change and prioritize the development and the availability of innovative sun-protection technologies. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of sunscreen technology, provide optimal protection against harmful UV radiation, and ultimately contribute to reducing the number of skin cancer cases worldwide.
Last but not least, effective communication campaigns play a pivotal role in promoting prevention strategies, raising awareness about the importance of sunscreen use, and educating the public on best practices for sun protection. By emphasizing the significance of clear and impactful communication, we can empower individuals around the world to take proactive measures against skin cancer and reduce its prevalence.
Carlota Cano Consultora LLYC US
Ana Lluch Coordinadora Healthcare LLYC Américas
