|
More people are developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,
than ever before. Melanoma is now the most common cancer in Americans
aged 25 – 29 years old. It is the second most common cancer in Americans
who are 15 – 29 years old.
That’s why the American
Academy of Dermatology (Academy) created 31 Days, 31 Ways to Prevent
and Detect Melanoma. Each day during the month of May, you will find
a tip to help you make healthy choices. Appearing on a May 2010
calendar, these tips cover everything from “Where on the body can you
get melanoma?” to “Should I get my vitamin D from the sun?” and “Are
tanning beds safer than the sun?” To find the answers to these questions
and more, visit
Melanoma Monday.
Melanoma Survivors Have Increased Cancer Risks
If you’ve ever had melanoma, you may want to get skin cancer checkups
for life. A recent study of 89,515 melanoma survivors found that the
risk of developing another melanoma remains high for years. More than 20
years after the first diagnosis, survivors still had an increased risk.
(more)
What’s your “Suntelligence”?
You may know your IQ, but what about your "Suntelligence"? "Suntelligence"
measures your attitudes about tanning. It tests how much you know about
the sun’s effects on the skin. To discover your "Suntelligence", take the
Academy’s "Suntelligence"
Survey.
After taking the survey, be sure to find out how your answers compare
with those who took this survey earlier this year. For example, are you
among the 80% of respondents who are concerned about skin cancer and
feel it’s important to protect themselves? To see how your responses
compare, visit:
New Survey Ranks the Nation’s Most and Least Sun-Smart Cities (news
release)
2010 “Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?” Fact Sheet
|
What Dermatologists Tell Their Patients
"Not a month goes by when I don't see someone in their 20s with skin
cancer. Invariably, they've been to tanning parlors and they are
consumed by guilt."
David J. Leffell, MD,
FAAD
Source: Wall Street Journal, “Sun-Kissed or Sunburned?” April
26, 2010 |
|
|
May is Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Detection & Prevention Month® |
|
Detection
Free Skin Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life
The earlier
skin cancer is detected and treated, the better. With early
detection and proper treatment, most skin cancers, including
melanoma, can be cured. That’s why the American Academy of
Dermatology continues to offer free skin cancer screenings. These
screenings are free to everyone, and you do not need health
insurance.
More than 450 free skin cancer screenings are currently scheduled.
Slots fill quickly, so be sure to call and make an appointment. You
can find whether a free screening will be in your area by visiting
Free Skin Cancer Screening Program.
eCard
- Let others know about the free screenings by selecting and sending
a free
electronic card.
eAlert - Sign up to be notified when a screening is available
within a 50-mile radius.
Prevention
Don’t Fry Day™ is May 28
A day to encourage sun-safe behaviors
Something as simple as wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help reduce
the rising rate of skin cancer. By putting on a wide-brimmed hat
before you step outdoors, you help reduce your risk. Wear your
wide-brimmed hat all day on Friday, May 28, 2010, and you may help
reduce someone else’s risk.
 A
wide-brimmed hat is sure to catch people’s attention. And that’s
what the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (Council) seeks
to do on the Friday before Memorial Day. The purpose of this day is
to raise awareness of sun safety. So when someone asks why you’re
wearing that hat, be sure to let them know it’s Don’t Fry Day™.
To help you inspire others, the Academy makes its posters and some
other materials available at no charge. A few of the sun-safety
posters, such as the one shown here, were created specifically for
Don’t Fry Day™. You will find these posters at
Download Free Materials.
The core message for this year’s Don’t Fry Day™ is that no single
step can fully protect you from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV)
rays. To learn more, visit
Don’t Fry Day™.
|
|
Caring for Mature Skin |
|
Can vitamins give us
younger looking skin?
If you’ve walked through any store aisle stocked with skin care
products lately, you may believe the answer must be yes. But the
truth is, scientists are still trying to answer this question. In a
recent study, researchers pored over the currently published
scientific literature. They found evidence to support the potential
role of vitamins A, C, E, and B3. Mind you, this does not mean every
skin care product that contains one or more of these vitamins works,
but the potential is there.
One of the more encouraging findings is that retinol, a form of
vitamin A found in many anti-aging skin care products, appears
effective. While retinol is found in products available without a
prescription, there is one caveat. You should consult a
dermatologist before using a product that contains retinol. Side
effects can occur.
Researchers also uncovered 2 new studies that suggest taking high
doses of vitamin E may increase your risk of developing the most
common type of skin cancer. To learn more, including what one
dermatologist recommends, read
New Study Evaluates Effectiveness of Vitamins for the Treatment of
Sun-Damaged Skin.
|
Next Month - Facing off
vs. Age Spots and Wrinkles
|
