Congress forms caucus on skin cancer

A small group of congressional leaders has teamed with dermatology groups to form a bipartisan caucus focused on addressing the epidemic of skin cancer in the United States.

Established with the help of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) and support from the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), Reps. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) and Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) formed the Congressional Skin Cancer Caucus, a forum and resource for members of Congress who work to address the growing epidemic of skin cancer.

The caucus will support legislative activities and public policies that are aimed at raising skin cancer awareness, promoting skin screening and early detection of the disease, and improving access to skin cancer treatment.

“We are delighted to see this new caucus come to fruition,” said Dirk M. Elston, M.D., president of the AADA. “This bipartisan group has the potential to not only save lives but decrease skin cancer-related healthcare costs in the future.”

Brent Moody, M.D., chairman of the ACMS, said, “Mohs surgeons are excited to see the skin cancer epidemic taking a more prominent place in the eyes of our federal policymakers. The Mohs College, in partnership with the AADA and other advocates, including federal agencies, will work with the caucus to identify opportunities to further the mission of this new organization.”

To get weekly news and analysis for today's skincare specialists, subscribe to Dermatology Times eNews.