Released on: September 25, 2008, 10:43 am

Press Release Author: Melanoma Research Foundation

Industry: Healthcare

Press Release Summary: Melanoma Research Foundation applauds Department of Defense
for addressing troops’ increased risk for melanoma and other skin cancers

Press Release Body: HILLSBOROUGH, N.J.—The Department of Defense is seeking $4
million dedicated to research efforts on melanoma and other skin cancers, a danger
facing many military personnel. As part of the Fiscal 2009 Department of Defense
Appropriations Conference Report, the House of Representatives is currently
considering the measure.

“With more than 140,000 personnel currently stationed in Iraq, the intensity of sun
exposure puts our men and women at long-term risk for melanoma—the most serious form
of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S.,” said Randy
Lomax, chairman of the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). “By specifically
including melanoma in its peer-reviewed cancer research program—as it does with
breast, prostate and ovarian cancers—the Department of Defense recognizes the scope
of this very serious problem facing our troops.”

Melanoma can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes, but is the most
common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most
common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old. In 2008, more
than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, resulting in an
estimated 8,400 deaths.

In its early stages, melanoma can be successfully removed and monitored by regular
skin screenings. However, the disease is deadly in its most advanced stages, as few
treatment options exist. The median life expectancy for patients with advanced
melanoma is less than one year and existing therapies have not improved survival in
more than a decade.

Approximately six years ago, the cancer research community began unlocking the
underlying genetic malfunctions that occur in cells causing melanoma. Although the
melanoma research community is poised to make unprecedented strides in the
understanding, prevention and treatment of melanoma, more research is needed to
understand the unique biology of the many different types of melanoma and to develop
effective treatments. These research efforts have been hindered by the fact that
melanoma research is woefully underfunded.

The Melanoma Research Foundation acts as an advocate for the melanoma community to
raise the awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF has been
working to raise and keep melanoma awareness a high priority with elected officials
and to encourage their support of research funding.

“Increased funding, especially at the federal levels, for research is critical to
finding a cure given the very real opportunities available for developing new and
meaningful therapies, especially for those with advanced melanoma,” said Dr. David
E. Fisher, chief of Dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of
the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “Becoming part of the Defense Department’s
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs [CDMRP] is a major victory for
the thousands of people living with melanoma and our veterans who may develop it.”

The Department of Defense’s CDMRP represents a unique partnership among the public,
Congress and the military. The CDMRP was established within the U.S. Army Medical
Research and Material Command in 1993, when Congress, in response to grassroots
advocacy efforts, tasked the Department of Defense with developing and managing an
innovative breast cancer program. Since 1993, CDMRP has grown to include programs
aimed at other major diseases, including prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and now
melanoma.

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About Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing
cancers in the U.S., and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes.
In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, this year more than
62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, resulting in an
estimated 8,400 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults
25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young
adults 15- to 29-years-old.

About Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national
organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. The Foundation is committed
to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a
cure for melanoma. The Foundation also educates patients and physicians about
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, while acting as an advocate for the
melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The
MRF Web site is the premiere source for melanoma information seekers. More
information is available at www.melanoma.org.

Web Site: http://www.melanoma.org

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(202) 742-5256
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