Tag Archives: chicanery

Defending the Sun from the Lies, Damn Lies, Duplicity, Deception, Death and Disease of the Anti-Sun Business. Part 2.

By Marc Sorenson, EdD.  Sunlight Institute…

Part 2. The assault on the Sun: Dishonesty, duplicity and dollars

Attacking the sun makes $millions, and there is a war going on. The combatants are The Sun vs. The Powers of Darkness (those who have a financial interest in disparaging the sun).

As discussed earlier, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) published a report showing that most melanoma diagnoses may be incorrect, showing that only about 6% of melanoma diagnoses resulted in actually being melanoma.[1] They also published information on a vitamin D/melanoma study demonstrating that the lowest vitamin D levels were associated with a 500% increase in the risk of melanoma.[2] Of course, they would never admit that sun-derived vitamin D would help. We have already presented incontrovertible evidence that regular or habitual sun exposure is associated with a profoundly reduced risk of melanoma. Yet, the AAD and other organizations in the Power of Darkness cabal continue to repeat the tiresome advice to completely avoid any direct sun exposure. Meanwhile, people die while the AAD has fun in the sun–the height of hypocrisy. Here are two pages, touting their meetings, from Dermatology World, the organ of the Association, taken from Dr. Bernard Ackerman’s marvelous and massive monograph against his own profession, entitled The Sun and the “Epidemic” of Melanoma: Myth on Myth.[3] 

AAD MeetingsUntitled

I find it strange that San Diego and San Antonio, with their abundant sun, would be chosen for their “scientific” meetings. Obviously they do not believe their own messages, but disseminate those messages to help line their pockets while they enjoy the “sun and surf.” Can you trust them?

Dr. Ackerman, a celebrated dermatologist, also made the following statement in his monograph: “…the sun, now incriminated as the major culprit responsible for an “epidemic” of melanoma, will be rehabilitated from its status current of pariah, our worst enemy, to its place rightful, all things considered, namely, humankinds best friend.”

Dr. Ackerman also exposed the influence that money plays among the purveyors of the anti-sun movement and the makers of sunscreens. He states that …”the American Academy of Dermatology, the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society sold their seals of recommendation to manufacturers of sunscreen, the price being substantial in terms of dollars but incalculable in regard to tarnish of honor.”

He adds that the for an application fee of $10,000 (now reduced to $5,000) and an annual fee of $10,000, a sunscreen manufacturer can boast approval of its product in the form of the “Seal of Recognition” of the American Academy of Dermatology that decorates the front of tubes. The Skin Cancer Foundation has done the same for many years, and the “sunscreen companies pay it many thousands of dollars annually in the hope of gaining many millions of dollars in return.

He tells us that the “vaunted American Cancer Society (ACS) displays its logo on the front of tubes of Neutrogena for $300,000 annually.”

One great examples of this duplicity is displayed in the ad below, which was run in women’s magazines, ostensibly paid for by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS logo appears in the lower right corner, making it appear that the ad was purchased by the ACS. It serves as a sales pitch for sunscreens by saying “Use sunscreen, cover up and watch for skin changes.” Additionally, the ad shows a young woman stating that “My sister accidentally killed herself. She died of skin cancer.” New York ad

Now let’s examine the truth about this ad, as uncovered by the New York Times.

1. This ad was not sponsored nor paid for by the ACS. It was paid for by Neutrogena—a convenient way to sell sunscreens without letting the public even know that the ad is anything more than a public-service announcement. And shame on the ACS for selling their souls for filthy lucre.

2. The picture being held by the young lady is not a picture of her sister, and the young woman herself is a model hired to pose for the ad. More deception and more dollars changing hands.

This chicanery is done for one purpose only: Money from sales of sunscreens. More on that subject in a future post. Until then enjoy the sun safely, and do not burn.

[1] Argenziano G1, Cerroni L, Zalaudek I, Staibano S, Hofmann-Wellenhof R, et al. Accuracy in melanoma detection: a 10-year multicenter survey. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Jul;67(1):54-9.

[2] No authors. Vitamin D May Protect Against Some Melanomas.  Annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 15, 2011, reported in Skin and Allergy News.

[3] Ackerman, B. The Sun and the “Epidemic” of Melanoma: Myth on Myth.  2008.

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