Posts Tagged ‘melanoma’
Melanoma on the Rise! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
US melanoma incidence increasing 2.4% annually.
As highlighted in Dermatology Daily, MedPage Today (12/21, Walsh) reported that, according to an analysis published in the Dec. issue of the Archives of Dermatology, “melanoma incidence nationwide has been increasing at a rate of 2.4% per year, with certain groups having distinctly higher rates of annual increase.” After analyzing data on “41,072 cases of melanoma,” researchers found that “the highest rates of advanced melanoma…were seen in blacks,” while “Hispanics had a higher proportion of advanced melanomas than whites.” An accompanying editorial noted that the study “adds melanoma to the list of documented health disparities in ethnic minority populations.”
I believe this rate increase of melanoma among minorities reflects the misheld belief that those with non-Caucasian or darker skin types have “natural” protection from the negative effects of the sun. In fact people of all skin types must practice sun safety and have any changes to their skin, including “funny” moles, spots or anything on their body that newly catches their attention, checked out by their doctor immediately. Remember that Bob Marley died prematurely at age 36 from melanoma, which with an earlier diagnosis and treatment could have been prevented!
Know a Man Over 40?
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Is there a man over age 40 in your life? If so, encourage him to visit his dermatologist for a skin check! Two studies highlighted in Reuters magazine drive home the point that men over 40 have a higher propensity toward melanoma skin cancer. In fact, they account for half of all the melanoma related deaths in the United States. Seeing a suspicious spot or mole can be difficult if its on your back, which is the most common area for melanoma to occur in men. A dermatologist’s expert eyes can help detect and treat any potential skin cancer issues before they turn into life-threatening problems. While this demographic tends to visit a dermatologist less often, they are actually most important due to their higher risk. So wives, partners, girlfriends, boyfriends, sisters - tell the men you care about to get checked and get educated about their skin to stay healthy - they’ll thank you for it!
Tanning - Getting More Than You Bargained For
Monday, April 13th, 2009
Patients might accuse me and other dermatologists of sounding like broken records when it comes to the subject of tanning. We can’t help but be passionate about this particular issue. In my work, I am constantly faced with removing pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions from patients. These lesions, caused by UVA and UVB ray exposure, could potentially be life threatening and/or lead to surgery for removal. It is particularly disturbing that the age range of patients showing up with these issues is getting younger. So, you can understand a dermatologist’s perspective when they see women and men purposely trying to get a tan and needlessly exposing themselves to this risk.
There is no “safe” way to tan. Tanning beds are no exception! In fact, the rays in tanning beds can often be more intense than the sun itself. According to an AP article, melanoma (the deadliest type of skin caner) is now the top cancer afflicting women in their 20s in the UK, overtaking cervical cancer. They attribute this increase in young women (typically not the group where melanoma is so common) as a result of tanning bed use. In the United States, Florida lawmakers are considering a ban on tanning salon use for those under 16 years old. Miss Florida Teen, Kayla Collier, recently testified before a Florida state house committee supporting the proposal. She was diagnosed with a melanoma at age 16.
The possibility of skin cancer aside, tanning leads to accelerated aging of the skin. We know that exposure to UVA rays also cause more wrinkles, brown spots and breakdown of collagen. As the summer approaches and people seek dark, bronzed skin, consider alternatives like spray tans or lotions to keep your skin healthy. Avoid tanning and wear your sunblock!
