[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SUN SAFETY

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                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2005

  Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of H. 
Res. 196, which encourages the importance of sun safety and supports 
the designation of June 5th to June 11th as Sun Safety Week.
  Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the U.S. and 90 
percent of all skin cancers can be attributed to the sun. This year 
it's estimated that there will be 1.3 million skin cancer cases in the 
U.S., exceeding the number of breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers 
combined.
  More alarming is that 50 percent of lifetime exposure to UV light 
occurs during childhood and adolescence, and it can take less than 1O 
minutes for a child's skin to burn. Failing to take appropriate steps 
such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun 
exposure can have serious and deadly consequences, especially for 
children. Practicing sun safe behaviors during childhood is the first 
step in reducing the chances of getting skin cancer later in life.
  A new survey released on Monday by the nonprofit Sun Safety Alliance 
shows a 12-point decline in the percentage of Americans who report 
using sunscreen when outdoors, from 72 percent to 60 percent.
  H. Res. 169 recognizes that skin cancer is highly preventable and 
urges parents to practice good sun safety for their children, which 
will dramatically reduce its risk.
  I urge the entire House to vote yes on this important Resolution.

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