Some U.S. Cities Rank Higher in “Suntelligence”

Posted on May 5, 2010 | 1 Comment
Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

Sun Protection critical for reducing the risk of developing skin cancer

The “Suntelligence” survey sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology surveyed adults on their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward preventing and detecting skin cancer.

The results showed that many Americans continue to favor the appearance of a suntan, despite it being evidence of skin damage, with 72% saying a tan makes a person look more attractive.  28% of respondents also said that they never check moles and other skin blemishes for changes and 70% do not apply sunblock on an average day.

The survey also showed wide discrepancy among different U.S. cities regarding their understanding of the relationship of skin cancer and sun exposure, and the importance of skin cancer detection and prevention.

Residents of Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland ranked at the bottom, while citizens of Salt Lake City, Hartford (CT), and Denver ranked at the top. Complete rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 – Hartford
No. 2 – Salt Lake City
No. 3 – Denver
No. 4 – Tampa
No. 5 – Boston
No. 6 – Phoenix
No. 7 – Atlanta
No. 8 – Philadelphia
No. 9 – Portland
No. 10 – Baltimore
No. 11 – Dallas
No. 12 – Houston
No. 13 – Miami
No. 14 – San Francisco
No. 15 – Washington, DC
No. 16 – Detroit
No. 17 – San Diego
No. 18 – Cincinnati
No. 19 – New York City
No. 20 – Minneapolis
No. 21 – St. Louis
No. 22 – Los Angeles
No. 23 – Seattle
No. 24 – Cleveland
No. 25 – Chicago
No. 26 – Pittsburgh

You can see the full skin cancer survey results at the American Academy of Dermatology,

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Skin Cancer Prevention

Tagged , , , ,

Melanoma Monday to Promote Skin Cancer Detection

Posted on April 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

The first Monday in May has been designated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as Melanoma Monday to encourage people to perform skin self exams on themselves and their loved ones.

Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., Dermatologist

Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, Dermatologist & Mohs Surgeon

In support of Melanoma Monday, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., FAAD  in private practice at Belaray Dermatology in Plainview, New York, offers his patients online access to skin-self exam tools, including an animation that provides his patients with step-by-step instructions on how to evaluate their skin.

More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and more than 90% of them are related to excessive exposure to UV radiation, usually from the sun. Dermatologists recommend that people perform a skin self-exam once per month as an easy way to detect pre-cancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis and suspicious moles could be melanoma.

Melanoma Monday is the start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month with that includes a number of national and regional programs to promote skin cancer prevention and early detection. People are encouraged to examine their skin for skin cancer.

Since 1985, the American Academy of Dermatology program has sponsored more than  2 million free skin cancer screenings from dermatologists. These free screenings have detected more than 188,000 suspicious lesions, including more than 21,500 suspected melanomas, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Skin Cancer Prevention

Tagged , , ,

American Academy of Dermatology Elects Mohs Surgeon as President, Dan Siegel, M.D., FAAD.

Posted on April 28, 2010 | Leave a comment
Dan Siegel, M.D., Dermatologist

Daniel Siegel, M.D. Elected President of the AAD

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) announced the election of Daniel M. Siegel, M.D., FAAD as the new President of the Academy. He will be installed as president-elect in February 2011 and will hold the office of president for one year beginning in March 2012. He will also hold the same position for the American Academy of Dermatology Association

“My goal as president is to continue our specialty’s efforts in providing excellent dermatologic care to our patients,” stated Dr. Siegel. “To that end, the Academy must continue to provide first-class continuing medical education to dermatologists, advocate for increased funding for research, and participate in medical economic decisions.”

Dr. Daniel Siegel is a dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon in private practice at Long Island Skin Cancer & Dermatologis Surgery in Smithtown, N.Y. He is a clinical professor of dermatology and director of the procedural dermatology fellowship at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Dr. Siegel is a past member of both the Academy’s board of directors and the executive committee. In addition, he is a member of the boards of directors of the American College of Mohs Surgery and the Women’s Dermatologic Society. He also has authored four textbooks and more than 100 scientific publications.

Academy of Dermatology (Academy), the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 16,000 physicians specializing in the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Skin Cancer Experts

Tagged , , , ,

Skin Cancer Expert Reviews Zyclara for Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

Posted on April 26, 2010 | 2 Comments
Zyclara for Skin Pre-Cancer with Dermatologist

Zyclara for AKs

Skin cancer expert and New York City dermatologist Dr. Darrell Rigel provides a video reviews the risks posed by actinic keratoses, pre-cancerous skin lesions, and Zyclara®, a topical medication recently approved from the treatment of actinic keratoses.

10 million Americans have actinic keratoses and approximately 10% of them will develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. It is important to treat these precancerous lesions as early as possible for the best results.

There are a variety of treatment options for actinic keratoses. Dr. Darrel Rigel points out that Zyclara®, approved in early April, 2010 by the FDA for the treatment of AKs, provides another treatment option.

Darrell S. Rigel, M. D. is New York City dermatologist in private practice in Manhattan and a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. His research is in the areas of risk factors and prognosis for malignant melanoma and other skin cancers and factors leading to aging of the skin. He is the author of numerous articles and abstracts in professional journals as well as the Editor of “Cancer of the Skin”, the major textbook in this field.

Dr. Rigel serves with many professional and charitable organizations related to his research interests. In 1999, he served as President of the American Academy of Dermatology and currently serves as the President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Rigel has received numerous national and international awards and honors including the American Cancer Society’s National Honor Citation for Skin Cancer Programs and a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology for public education programs in skin cancer detection. He is an honorary member of several international dermatological societies and has focussed on enhancing worldwide dermatology.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Skin Cancer Medications, Skin Cancer Prevention

Tagged , , , , ,

Tanning Bed Addiction is Real

Posted on April 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

The “Addiction to Tanning Beds”  article published in the April 2010 issue of the Archives of Dermatology showed that attempts to reduce skin cancer risk should address the addictive qualities of indoor tanning.

According to the study, about 1/3 of young people who use tanning beds may be addicted to the way that the UV light makes them feel.

It has been known for several years that UV light triggers the brain’s production of endorphins, natural opiates, that improve one’s mood in a manner very similar to narcotics. Interestingly, it has been found that if frequent tanners are administered naltrexone (a medication used in emergency rooms to treat patients who have overdosed on narcotics) they will undergo withdrawal symptoms similar to those addicted to narcotics.

In short, the UV light leads to and increase of endorphins to which some are so addicted, the blocking of those endorphins by naltrexone leads to withdrawal symptoms. This addiction is also suggested in the behavior of frequent tanners who admit to classic addictive behaviors, such as being unsuccessful in their efforts to cut back on tanning, becoming irritated when told to cut back and skipping out on other activities in their lives to ensure that they can use a tanning bed.

This addiction of frequent indoor tanners must be taken into account as the FDA considers restricting access to indoor tanning beds.

See more information on the dangers of indoor tanning

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Indoor Tanning, Skin Cancer Prevention

Tagged , , , ,

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Reviewed by Lisa Benest, M.D.

Posted on April 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Dermatologist Lisa Benest, M.D., provides her clinical opinion regarding the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer.

“The most common methods for removing BCCs are surgical excision (cutting it out) and curettage and desiccation (C&D) (scraping and burning)”, said Dr. Benest. She added that “larger skin cancers and difficult to treat areas, such as the nose and other areas of the face, would be the likeliest candidates for Mohs surgery.

Dr. Benest added that “The major advance in treating BCCs is the use of topical immune system booster, imiquimod for skin cancer.  I have had very good success with many skin cancers using this Aldara (imiquimod) cream”.  The advantage is that surgery is avoided, including surgical scars.  The disadvantage is that the cream does create a strong immune reaction, which means the area typically gets very red and scabby for a couple of months.  Ultimately, each patient should discuss with his or her doctor which treatment option is best for the type of skin cancer, the size and the location.

Dr. Benest’s expert opinion were published with the clinical perspective of other leading dermatologists who reviewed basal cell carcinoma treatment options.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Skin Cancer Treatment

Tagged , , , , ,

Melanoma Recurrence 9 Times More Likely in Those Previously Diagnosed

Posted on April 19, 2010 | Leave a comment

A research study published in the March issue of the Archives of Dermatology found that individuals previously diagnosed with melanoma , an aggressive form of skin cancer, have a nine-fold (9 times) greater chance for developing another melanoma compared to the general population.

The study evaluated the medical records of over 89,000 patients with primary malignant melanoma and found that 10,857 (12.1%) of them developed one or more primary cancers, with melanoma being the most common type of cancer to develop. The risk of developing another melanoma remained high, evern after 20 years since the initial skin cancer diagnoses.

The authors stated that melanoma survivors should remain under surveillance not only for recurrence but also for future primary melanomas and other cancers. This points to the importance of regular skin exams by a dermatologist and monthly skin self-exams.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Skin Cancer Prevention

Tagged , , , ,