MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Sunburn and Protective Behaviors Among Adults Aged 18–29 Years — United States, 2000–2010

CDC
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Although certain sun protective behaviors such as sunscreen use, staying in the shade, and wearing long clothing to the ankles increased during 2000—2010 among U.S. adults aged 18-29 years, there has not been a corresponding decrease in sunburns among this age group. Specifically, in 2010, half of all U.S. adults aged 18-29 reported one or more sunburns in the past year. Sunburn was most common among non-Hispanic whites, with two out of three reporting sunburn in the past year. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and tanning beds is the most important preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sunburn is a sign of too much exposure to UV rays. This study reinforces the need for continued public health efforts to facilitate sun protection, prevent sunburn, and avoid future increases in the burden of skin cancer. Environmental and policy changes such as the provision of shade and sunscreen in recreational settings and clinical counseling to promote skin cancer prevention may be promising strategies.

 

2. Use of Indoor Tanning Devices by Adults — United States, 2010

CDC
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Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. Recent data from the CDC indicates that indoor tanning device use is common among adults in the United States, and widespread among non-Hispanic white women aged 18-25 years. In 2010, 32 percent of non-Hispanic white women aged 18-21 years reported indoor tanning, with an average of 28 sessions in the past year. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds is the most important preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The CDC recommends people take steps to protect themselves from skin cancer including avoiding indoor tanning. These findings reinforce the need for public health efforts in educating young adults about the dangers of indoor tanning, in an effort to reduce use and the subsequent risk of skin cancer. Additional approaches to decrease indoor tanning include the consideration of limits on tanning bed use by age and skin type, increased regulation of indoor tanning devices, and mandatory disclosure of risk information to purchasers of tanning devices and customers of tanning salons.

3. New Framework for Development of Evidence-Based Recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

CDC
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The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has adopted a new framework for developing evidence-based recommendations for the use of vaccines that is based on the GRADE approach. GRADE stands for Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. GRADE is used by more than 60 major organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the World Health Organization. Using the GRADE framework, ACIP will systematically assess the type or quality of evidence about a vaccine’s expected health impacts and the balance of health benefits and risks, along with the values and preferences of persons affected, and health economic analyses.  Use of this new framework is expected to enhance transparency, consistency, and communication.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES