Cosmopolitan Magazine & MRF Team Up to Combat Melanoma

Contact:         Marisa Ollins                           Deborah J. Danuser
                        Cosmopolitan                          Jones Public Affairs
                        (212)649-2577                        (202) 591-4043
                        [email protected]             [email protected] 

NEW YORK, N.Y (June 02, 2010) —Cosmopolitan, the world’s largest-selling magazine for young women, and the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), a leader in supporting cutting edge research, are teaming up to tackle the fastest growing cancer in young women. 

“It’s vital that women understand the very real health risks that come with a tan and that melanoma isn’t a cancer that waits for people to grow old before it strikes,” said Kate White, Cosmopolitan magazine editor-in-chief.  “We are proud to partner with the Melanoma Research Foundation to educate our readers about the importance of sun safety and support the cutting edge research the MRF funds.”

Cosmopolitan has long been a powerful advocate for skin safety. In 2006, the magazine launched a Practice Safe Sun campaign, aimed at warning young women about the connection between unprotected UV exposure and skin cancer. Cosmopolitan was one of the lead supporters for the Tanning Accountability and Notification Act, which in 2007 required the FDA to evaluate tanning bed warning labels. Last year, the magazine conducted a hidden camera investigation of tanning salons with ABC News’ 20/20 and in January, played a key role in introducing the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act.  This past March, Cosmopolitan delivered a statement at an FDA hearing on the risks of indoor tanning lamps.

“An increasing number of young women are dying of melanoma and it’s imperative that we reach them with information about how they can protect themselves from this disease,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF.  “This partnership with Cosmopolitan will help equip young women with potentially life-saving information.”

On June 8, Cosmopolitan will host a luncheon to honor individuals leading the way in the battle against melanoma, including Kristen Bell (Actress), David Wright (Mets third baseman), Marisa Miller (supermodel), Meghan Rothschild (activist), and Juju Chang (News Anchor, Good Morning America) as well as, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Ellen S. Marmur, M.D., FAAD, the chief of dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

The luncheon will be a platform to acknowledge a new grant, sponsored by Cosmopolitan magazine, to support melanoma research.  “People with melanoma desperately need new and improved treatment options,” said Turnham.  “The Cosmopolitan Research Grant will help the MRF provide emerging and established melanoma researchers with highly sought-after grants that will allow them to explore new avenues in melanoma biology and treatments ultimately leading to a cure.”

As part of the partnership, Cosmopolitan readers will receive an awareness bracelet with a $10 or more donation to the MRF made at www.firstgiving.com/cosmopolitan.  The fundraising drive is part the magazine’s ongoing “Practice Safe Sun” campaign to combat the high rate of skin cancer among young women. 

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide.  Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunlight or indoor tanning beds, is one of the major risk factors for most melanomas.  Recent research has shown that using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and occasionally using tanning beds can triple your chances.  Last year, 69,000 Americans were diagnosed with the disease, resulting in one death every single hour.

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. 

To learn more about donating to MRF and its research programs, please visit www.melanoma.org.

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About Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour. 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. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.