melanoma
Women and Men Get Skin Cancer Checks for Different Reasons
As the seasons change, we like to remind our patients that fall is the time we recommend our skin cancer body check. The Archives of Dermatology reported that in a survey of patients, men and women seek skin cancer screenings for very different reasons. Women are more likely to schedule skin cancer body checks after noticing a change in skin lesions, due to a family history of skin cancer and sun exposure. Men, on the other hand, most often attend skin cancer screenings much later in life after being prompted by a female spouse or family member or after a previous skin cancer diagnosis.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Evidence shows that while family history does play a part, extended unprotected sun exposure (including time spent in tanning beds) is a recognized cause of skin cancer, and that early detection is an important key in catching signs of pre-cancers.
While it seems as though women are seeking skin cancer screenings for the right reasons, it is still important to do so in a timely manner. The median age of women in the survey was around 53 years old. The truth is that people of any age should seek a skin cancer body check if they notice any troubling change in their skin texture or tone. Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer that is most often found in commonly sun damaged areas like the face, top of the shoulders, and arms. These actinic keratoses are characterized by red, rough, and scaly spots of skin that become rough, and almost even tender when rubbed.
If left undetected and/or untreated, actinic keratosis can lead to one of three kinds of skin cancer including squamous and basal cell carcinoma as well as melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as irritated, scaly patches of skin, while basal cell carcinoma is characterized by raised, smooth bumps around the head, neck, or shoulders. Sometimes it can look like a sore that never heals. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and most often looks like a darker brown or black lesion. Actinic keratoses may seem harmless because they aren’t cancer, but if patients go too long without treatment, they can turn into basal or squamous cell carcinomas and even melanoma.
Though it’s the most serious form of skin cancer, it’s important to know that melanoma can be 100% curable if detected early.
Monitor your skin for changes in moles including changes in shape, size, elevation, and color. To help with at-home monitoring of potential skin cancers, we often tell our patients to look for the ABCDE’s when checking any moles or suspicious lesions:
- Asymmetry
- Borders (irregularities)
- Color (changes)
- Diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser)
- Evolving over time
During a medical skin cancer body check, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for any curious moles or lesions. If you have any concerns, it’s best to address them with your doctor, and he or she can track any new or existing moles from year to year to measure any growth or other changes.
If necessary, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment option based on any existing pre-cancers or cancers he or she finds. For example, photodynamic therapy uses laser light to destroy cancerous tissues, while cryosurgery uses extreme cold to eliminate abnormal cells and pre-cancers.
Skin cancer screenings are a short, painless prevention measure that can help individuals of any age recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. The survey published in the Archives of Dermatology demonstrates that women are ahead of men in terms of staying on top of skin cancer checks. Regardless of age, sex, or sun exposure habits, it’s important to track your yearly skin changes.
Contact us for more information on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and to schedule your skin cancer body check. You can also stay up-to-date on our news and events by “Liking” us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
California Passes Tanning Bed Ban for Teens
California recently became the first state to ban those under 18 from using tanning salons because of connection between tanning beds and skin cancer. While awaiting FDA regulations on teens and tanning, California Governor Jerry Brown signed the measure prohibiting tanning salons from allowing anyone under 18 to use tanning beds, regardless of parental approval. Georgia hasn’t banned the use of tanning beds for those under 18, but it is one of the states that requires in-person, parental permission for anyone under 18 to tan in a tanning bed.
According to stats from the National Cancer Institute up to 35% of 17-year-old girls will use a tanning bed to maintain their summer glow. Other studies have indicated that tanners, especially young girls, can exhibit behaviors demonstrating an addiction to indoor tanning. Additionally, tanning beds use activity that exposes humans to some of the highest levels of carcinogens to humans, increasing the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. Tanning beds utilize concentrated ultraviolet light which can cause sunburn and speed up the skin’s aging process and increase the risk of deadly skin cancer. Those who tan indoors are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
In fact, a recent article published in Skin & Allergy News links the spike in current melanoma cases amongst women aged 25 to 34 to the use of tanning beds during their teens in the 1990s. One dermatologist said that almost all of his melanoma patients admitted to using a tanning bed at some point in their past.
At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we encourage our patients to avoid unprotected sun exposure including the use of tanning beds. For those who may not have adhered to this rule in the past, we perform annual skin cancer screenings to ensure no cancer is present, and identify any pre-cancers (actinic keratosis), to begin skin cancer treatment plans if necessary.
Skin cancer treatments like photodynamic therapy which destroys cancerous tissue, topical chemotherapy for basal cell carcinomas, cryosurgery to freeze and eliminate abnormal tissue, and Mohs skin cancer surgery to remove the cancerous tissue layer by layer, are all available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta. Depending on the patient and type of skin cancer, some laser treatments from our Laser Institute of Georgia may also be used instead of cryosurgery.
For more information on skin cancer symptoms, prevention, and treatment, contact us. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest dermatology and skin cancer news.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Featured in Jezebel Magazine Who’s Who of Atlanta
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta‘s Drs. Griffin, Karempelis, and Curtis were featured in Jezebel Magazine‘s October Who’s Who issue on newsstands now! For more information on DAA and our doctors or to schedule an appointment, contact us! You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.
Could Caffeine Be the Answer to Staying Bright-Eyed and Cancer Free?
Caffeinated beverages are an irreplaceable staple to many American morning routines. A new study performed by researchers from Rutgers and the University of Washington suggests that topical caffeine application could reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. with a whopping one million new cases diagnosed annually. This fact, coupled with the unsightly cosmetic effects photoaging can have on the skin and its texture and the millions of dollars spent by Americans on treatments like laser skin resurfacing, Foto Facial® treatment, and chemical peels to reduce the appearance of photo damage, make it no surprise then that this study is not the first of its kind. › Continue reading
Addicted to Tanning: Study Links Brain Changes to Tanorexia
Despite the well known negative effects of unprotected sun exposure (i.e. premature wrinkling, sun spots (liver spots), increased freckles, and even skin cancer), thousands of Americans flock to the tanning bed to gain the “healthy glow” they feel is key in looking trim and vivacious. According to statistics released by the Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 120,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year. In addition to those startling statistics, previous studies have shown that those individuals under the age of 30 who regularly tan (at least ten times per year) are eight times more likely to develop malignant melanoma than those who don’t; yet, the tanning industry is booming. A study completed by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center may have just figured out a key component to this seemingly vicious cycle of sun damage: addiction.
UT Southwestern’s pilot study monitored the brain circulation of participants while tanning. The participants completed two tanning sessions–one that exposed them to regular ultra violet light and another that used special filters to block the damaging UV rays. The study’s subjects were also administered a compound to measure blood flow to the brain and interviewed after their tanning sessions about how much they wanted to continue tanning. › Continue reading
Skin Cancer Awareness Extends Through June
Last month was officially skin cancer awareness month, but skin cancer awareness shouldn’t end in May. We also would like to take this opportunity to better explain recent FDA changes to sunscreen which you may have heard about in the news the last few days. With 35 years of experience treating skin conditions, the physicians and providers at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta know that, although most skin cancer is treatable, prevention is critical. Following a few easy tips can prevent skin cancer without compromising your warm weather fun.
- Apply appropriate sunscreen:
Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you plan to be in the sun for extended amounts of time, you will need to reapply. The length of time it takes for sunscreen to wear off is based on the SPF and can be determined by multiplying the SPF by 10 (SPF X 10=minutes of sun protection). For instance, one application of 30 SPF should last about 300 minutes. › Continue reading
Calling All Sun Bathers- Deadly Skin Cancer Rates Soar For Generation Of Baby Boomers
If you’ve read any of our past blogs, you’ve probably noticed how adamant the professionals at Dermatology Associates are about protecting your skin from sun exposure. Hopefully readers will now heed their warnings- SunSmart, a UK based Skin Cancer research organization, has compiled findings which show that adults of the Baby Boomer generation are now five times more likely to develop Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) than previous generations.
The UK group attributes this trend to the rise in popularity of low-cost package vacations and the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970’s. Baby Boomers, who as a group were in their 20’s and 30’s during this period, remember a culture where “burning before tanning” was the norm for everyone. Even more astounding, the study also found that of the Baby Boomer cohort, men in their 60’s and 70’s were seven times more likely to develop Melanoma than men of the same age 30 years ago.
The most important thing to remember about sun damage is that it is preventable. Wearing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your complexion (no lower than SPF 15) and remembering to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while outdoors are imperative. The information from this study isn’t just a call to Baby Boomers, this trend could very easily repeat itself with Generation X, Y, and Z’ers if proper preventative sun protection is ignored.
If you have a fair complexion with light hair, light eyes, freckles, or have lots of moles you are naturally more susceptible to sun damage. If you have a history of sunburn you are also at an increased risk for developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. So, when it comes to sun exposure remember- lather with sunscreen and repeat!
To learn more about preventative skin care or to schedule a consultation with one of Dermatology Associate’s professionals, visit our website or call (404) 256-4457.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta News Highlight: The American Academy Of Dermatology Makes Official Statement On The Indoor Tanning Tax
The recent passage of the healthcare reform bill and the attached 10 percent excise tax on indoor tanning salons has tanning bed goers everywhere in an uproar. But if you have read any of our blogs or visited any of the physicians at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, you know that we are STRONGLY AGAINST the use of indoor tanning beds because of the negative repercussions it can have on your overall skin health.
A recently released official statement from The American Academy of Dermatology agrees with us saying, “Indoor tanning is dangerous. There is compelling, irrefutable scientific evidence which shows that indoor tanning beds can increase your risk for skin cancer. A tax on indoor tanning services serves as a signal from the federal government to young people that indoor tanning is dangerous and should be avoided.”
Some statistics they use to support their opinions include the fact that using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases a person’s risk for melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) by 75 percent!
The American Academy of Dermatology is openly supportive of the healthcare reform tanning tax, noting that it helps to further the goal of promoting wellness and prevention as part of overall healthcare reform – feeling that it will discourage more people from practicing indoor tanning.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has no official position in support or in opposition to the healthcare reform bill, but we do have a position on the safety of indoor tanning: Tanning beds are a definite cause of skin cancer and should be avoided!
If you have any suspicious sun damage spots or would just like an overall skin cancer check, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified dermatologists today. And remember – don’t use the tanning bed!
Is Nanotechnology the Future of Your Skin Care Products? Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Discuss New Technology
Is nanotechnology the future of your skin care products? Some scientists and dermatologists think so. In fact, patents for products using nanotechnology are most rapidly growing in the cosmetic skin care field, including everything from shampoo to eye shadow. But there is a reason that you haven’t seen a surge of these types of products on your store shelves – the FDA still hasn’t determined its safety.
Despite uncertainty about side effects, scientists are hopeful about the future of nanotechnology and skin care. Because of their miniscule particle size, nanotechnology has unique properties and benefits not achievable by bigger sized particles in current products. A Medical News Today article cited sunscreen as an example. Currently, the larger particles used in sunscreen are what leaves greasiness and white residue on the skin; a sunscreen made with nanoparticles however, would have the same UVA/UVB blocking benefits without the leftovers on the skin.
With nanotechnology, the smaller sized particles more easily penetrate the skin, making it possible to deliver and absorb important nutrients and ingredients not currently possible with bigger particle size.
While nanotechnology shows great promise for skin care, make up, and anti-aging products, scientist are also hopeful for nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer. In fact, a recent animal study showed that nano sized shells of gold were very effective in the treatment of melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) – creating the potential for a very effective noninvasive dermatological skin cancer treatment.
It is important to note, that while these advancements are promising and exciting, the FDA still has not determined the safety of nanotechnology on the skin. We at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will work keep you abreast of any developments in this field or any other technology advancements.
FDA Considers Stricter Tanning Bed Regulations
Everyone has heard by now that tanning is bad. The harm from the UV rays in tanning beds can be cancer causing, even in moderation. That is why the FDA is publicly considering stricter regulations on indoor tanning salons.
As we have discussed in previous blogs, the World Health Organization has officially deemed tanning beds as a “definite” cause of cancer – upgrading them from their previous classification as a “probable” cause of cancer.
This has prompted the FDA to consider a requirement for more visible warning labels on tanning beds, to make user better aware of the risk they are taking. The FDA is also considering following suit with the World Health Organization and putting tanning beds into a more sever classification to establish them as a carcinogen.
Proponents of the tanning bed industry already have enough on their plate – actively lobbying against legislation to put taxes on tanning salons to help pay for the healthcare reform bill. Spokespeople for the tanning industry claim that it is only harmful for people who “overdo it.”
But as any qualified dermatologist would tell you, prolonged exposure to UV rays (like the tanning bed) causes cancer, no matter how “careful” you are about it. Last year alone, there were 69,000 cases of melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer, and resulted in 8,650 deaths.
We at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta urge you to be proactive about your skin protection. Make sure you are practicing safe sun habits and come in regularly for mole checks by a board certified dermatologist. We guarantee it will help you in the long run!
A Visual Guide to Accompany Skin Cancer Awareness
Disclaimer: Skin Cancer is a very serious condition and should ultimately be diagnosed and confirmed by a Dermatologist!
Last week we discussed a few tell-tale signs for identifying the three most common types of cancer. We’ve decided this week to give you a more visual clue as to what you should look for. From the image above, the left image represents Basal Cell Carcinoma, the center image shows Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the right-most image shows Melanoma. These images are just clues – everybody will exhibit unique signs and your skin may not have these exact features. However, they are a good way to tip yourself off to something that’s more than a mole, scab, or wart. Should you find any blemishes resembling these on your body, we strongly recommend coming in to see us for a diagnosis. Even if you feel you are not at risk, we also recommend everyone at least get an annual full body skin screening.
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