AAD Warns Famers to Pay Attention to New Moles

Farmers, construction workers and other people that work outside for extended periods of time are encouraged to pay attention to new moles that appear on their skin, and to undertake a rigorous sun protection regimen.

The American Academy of Dermatology recently issued a warning to farmers, encouraging them to pay special attention to suspicious moles. Dermatologists report that farmers that develop the infamous ‘farmer’s tan’ are at an increased risk of skin cancer because of excessive exposure to UV radiation.

The president of the American Academy of Dermatology, David M. Pariser MD states that, “More than 11,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer, but when detected early, skin cancer has a cure rate of 99 percent…Since research shows farmers are among the least likely workers to receive a skin examination by a physician, it’s important that farmers perform regular skin self-examinations, which could mean the difference between life and death.”

Farmers need to look for moles on their back, scalp, palms of the hands, and also on the soles of their feet. Moles can appear anywhere on the body,  and a thorough examination can be performed by a physician once every few months. Characteristics of moles that should be checked by a physician are: asymmetrical moles, irregularly shaped or scalloped moles, moles that vary in color, moles that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser, and moles that are changing in size, shape or color. If a single mole looks different from the rest, it should be checked by a dermatologist.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers a mole map online to help individuals keep track of their moles and changes over time. The mole map can be found here. Other ways to minimize skin cancer include seeking shade between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, wearing protective clothing, and wearing  broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

Antioxidant Supplements Not Linked to Increased Risk of Melanoma

A recent report in the August issue of the Archives of Dermatology indicates that antioxidant supplements do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers. Several randomized trials have been conducted to determine if daily supplementation with vitamin C and E, selenium, zinc and beta carotene are linked to an increased risk of melanoma, and some tests showed that certain supplements could increase the risk of skin cancer in women.

69,671 women and men have participated in the Vitamins and Lifestyle (VITAL) study overseen by Maryam M. Asgari, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, and the study lasted for two years. This program asked participants to complete a 24-[age questionnaire about their lifestyle including their diet, any supplements they have been taking, their health history, and any other factors that may contribute to increased cancer risk.

Researchers found that there is in fact no link between increased melanoma risk and supplementation of beta carotene, selenium, vitamin E and other antioxidant supplements that had been previously reported as playing a role in the development of skin cancer. Another study shows that there is no association between taking vitamins A and C. HealthCentral.co reports that taking antioxidant supplements before prolonged sun exposure may in fact reduce oxidative damage, and may reduce the effects of sun damage on moles that might otherwise be receptive to cancerous changes. (Source: HealthCentral.com)

An estimated 48 to 55 percent of adults in the United States take vitamin and mineral supplements regularly, so any reports of potential negative effects or an increased risk of certain cancers raises several questions.

For now at least, there is documented proof that antioxidant supplements are not linked to an increased risk of skin cancers such as melanoma. Still, more studies by dermatologists and researchers are underway.

Source: Archives of Dermatology

Melanoscan Digital Imaging Device Aids with Early Skin Detection

Until now, it has been up to the dermatologist’s in-depth examination of the body to detect early signs of skin cancer. However, a powerful new imaging device may soon help thousands of dermatologists identify skin cancer in its early stages so that they can effectively treat melanoma in its very early stages.

According to a recent press release, Melanoscan is the first full-body digital imaging device that can assist dermatologists with the early identification of deadly melanomas.

This digital scanning system uses an innovative time-lapse imaging technology to detect melanoma up to two years before its appearance. The study accurately assessed the risk of melanoma in over 6,000 subjects, and was able to predict who would develop melanoma in as little as five minutes. The Melanoscan device detected 27 cases of melanoma, bringing the cure rate of this deadly skin cancer to 99.3%.

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer in the United States, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, one person in the U.S. dies from melanoma every 68 minutes. Still, this type of cancer is treatable with early detection. Men and women of all ages are encouraged to visit a dermatologist at least once every season to make sure their skin is in good health.

The Melanoscan procedure can be performed under 10 minutes, and there is no preparation required. The device uses an automated image capture system so the patient can have their pictures taken in a private room.

According to Dr. Rhett Drudge, inventor of the Melanoscan and lead researcher of the study, “the logistics of saving 7,500 lives every year in the United States through early melanoma detection are clearly daunting. However, the Melanoscan technology can be mobilized and delivered to facilitate early detection, even to the most rural communities. The greatest appeal of this technology lies in its potential to deliver a standardized melanoma screening procedure throughout the United States and beyond.”

(Source: PRWeb.com)

International Study Links Genetics to Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can be the result of overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning booths. Until recently, dermatologists and medical professionals strongly linked the risk of melanoma to excessive sun exposure and sun sensitivity, and a genetic disposition to developing skin cancer.

Now, recent research confirms that genetics does play an important role in the development of melanoma, and may explain why people with the most moles on their skin have the highest risk of developing melanoma.

According to a study led by Professors Julia Newton Bishop and Tim Bishop of the Melanoma Genetics Consortium (GenoMEL) at the University of Leeds in the UK, people with genes that gave them red hair and freckles, and those who develop moles very easily, are at an increased risk of melanoma. The study examined the genetic makeup of over 10,000 people and compared the results with those who have developed the disease, and those who have not. They found several genetic commonalities between the participants of the study, and those who had developed melanoma.  Those who tend to have burn easily, have sensitive skin, and tend to get freckles are increasingly at risk for developing skin cancer.

While the results of the study confirmed what many researchers already knew, the link between certain genes and the risk of melanoma had not been researched in-depth or reported on until this time. Results of the study were published in the online issue of Nature Genetics, and point to the actual genes associated with the increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer.

Staying out of direct sunlight is only one way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, as it is just as important for people to wear appropriate sun protection when they are outdoors or will be exposed to indirect sunlight. Melanoma is fatal, and those who are at a higher risk of developing this disease must take extra measures to protect themselves against excess sun exposure.

(Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

Study Shows Men More Likely to Forego Adequate Sun Protection

The high rates of skin cancer among men and women continue to rise in many parts of the Western world, but only some people take appropriate steps to reduce their risk.

According to the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey published in September 2008, unmarried men, and males in their teens and early twenties were most likely to forget about or ignore the need for sun protection on a regular basis.

Respondents of the survey conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists stated that they used sunscreen as a primary form of sun protection, and were less likely to worry about more important factor such as covering up with lightweight clothing in the sun, and sitting in the shade.

Dermatologists point out that while sunscreen does offer several benefits for protecting the skin, it does not guarantee complete coverage. Staying out of direct sunlight – especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m – and wearing appropriate clothing are still better measures for reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

Researchers point out that “It is really interesting that unmarried people and those without children take the least care in the sun – it would be worth examining what the obstacles are for these people, and perhaps we need to look at tailoring our prevention campaigns for specific audiences in the future.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

And what about women?

According to the study conducted by the British Association of Dermatologists, married women with children are more likely to seek the shade and wear appropriate clothing than men.

Women may be less at risk for sunburn and skin cancer because of the cosmetic products they use. Many facial products and skincare treatments have SPF in the ingredients. However, women who go tanning on a regular basis, or sunbathe on the beach without appropriate sun protection,  would increase their risk of getting sunburn or developing skin cancer.

Rates of Skin Cancer Higher Among Athletes

Maybe it’s because they’re training outdoors regularly, or wearing shorts and tees during a game, but whatever the case may be, the latest issue of Sports Health points out that athletes are more susceptible to developing skin cancer.

Researchers of the study confirmed that athletes are “at an increased risk of sunburn because of their training schedules and conditions, with obviously those individuals who compete in summer sports being at significantly increased exposure.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

Athletes who are involved with summer training and events are considered to be at a greater risk for developing skin cancer because they can develop sunburn after just a few minutes of high-intensity UV exposure under certain conditions. Even winter sports enthusiasts – skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers – can get sunburn because the powerful sun rays reflect off the snow and are absorbed into the skin.

In order to offset their risk, athletes must wear sunscreen whenever they are outdoors – whether there is sunshine in the forecast or not – and wear protective clothing. Training indoors can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and certain types of skin cancers, so it is in the athlete’s best interest to complete their workouts and routines off the field whenever possible.

Since most athletes will sweat away any products that are put on the skin after a vigorous training routine, it’s also a good idea to reapply sunscreen at various intervals throughout the day, and to select a waterproof version so that the sunscreen does not dissolve so easily. Wearing full-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirts and pants is also recommended so that bare skin is not constantly exposed to the sun. Some of today’s leading sports clothing manufacturers also produce UV-protecting hats, capri pants and workout pants for those who want another layer of sun protection when they’re outdoors.

Scientists Develop Skin Cancer Blocking Drug

According to a study recently published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, skin cancer may soon be treated with a potent drug.

Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in the United Kingdom have revealed the effects of a new class of drugs that can treat malignant melanomas. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, and the Wellcome Trust, and may be the next step in finding an effective way to stop and kill cancer cells.

Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and so far, cannot be treated with any type of drug. Skin cancer patients typically have to undergo extensive surgery and treatments to reduce and eliminate the cancer cells, but no one has found an effective cure.

The drug was developed after researchers traced human melanoma to the BRAF protein, a protein that stimulates the growth of melanoma cells. The drug they developed actively blocks the activity of this protein, and may be able to selectively kill the melanoma cells completely. The drug is made with chemicals called pyridoimidazalones, and a set of treatments may be effective at stopping the spread of cancer cells, and killing off cancer completely. Researchers say the recent tests have shown remarkable results on their patients and the drugs have very few – if any – side effects.

You can reduce your risk of developing malignant melanoma and various levels of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen even when the sun is not out, and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Any changes to the appearance of moles, scars and other skin pigmentation need to be screened by a professional dermatologist; early detection of skin cancer is one of the best preventative cures, and may help reduce the chances of developing a deadly cancer.

Still, there is hope for those who are going through the stages of full-blown skin cancer with drugs that will target the mutated genes.

Spring Break Could Increase Children’s Risk for Skin Cancer

Spring Break season means more kids and parents are heading outdoors for some fun in the sun, but experts warn that increased sun exposure can still cause severe cases of skin cancer.

The fresh sunshine of the season can make pale winter skin even more vulnerable to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, especially if the person isn’t prepared for the weather with appropriate sun protection.

A recent study led by Dr. Lori Crane, the chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the Colorado School of Public Health in the University of Colorado Denver was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal published by the American Association for Cancer Research.

The results of the study showed that children who joined parents for waterside vacations (beaches, water resorts), were much more likely to develop skin moles than those who vacationed at home.  The increased sun exposure, coupled with the chances that the children would be wearing bathing suits, put them at an increased risk for developing skin moles that may eventually develop into skin cancer.

Results of the study also revealed that young boys were at nearly a 20 percent higher risk of developing nevi than girls, and that every waterside vacation increased the risk of developing skin moles by as much as 5 percent.

Parents and children planning for a Spring break vacation this season should exercise caution when spending time outdoors, especially if they are planning on being by the water for extended periods of time.  Spring breakers can protect their skin by wearing sunscreen at all times, covering up with long sleeve shirts throughout the day, and steering clear of direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Daily sun exposure only increases the risk of skin cancer, which is why spending only a couple of full days on the beach and spending the rest of the time away from the water is highly recommended.

Individuals who do develop moles can get a skin cancer screening from a skin cancer doctor; if the mole is benign, there are several mole removal options available.

Vaccine Therapy May Reduce Effects of Skin Cancer

The Mayo Clinic reports that current melanoma treatment options include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and experimental therapies.  However, there may soon be another option for those diagnosed with severe cases of skin cancer.

Doctors have been working on a vaccine that could treat advanced stages of melanoma and reduce the risk of fatal forms of skin cancer.  Sanofi-Aventis is conducting the study for this vaccine at 25 testing centers in the United States and Canada; the vaccine is designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to protect the skin cells and reduce further development of existing cancer.

In late 2008, Professor Ian Frazer of the University of Queensland delivered several findings of a vaccine he had developed to the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress. In the trials and studies, the vaccine effectively switched off the ‘killer T cells’ and the treatment was deemed a promising venture for the future. Researchers expected that this particular vaccine may be available within a 5-year time period. (Source: UK Telegraph)

Skin cancer continues to be one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and dermatologists encourage people of all skin types to take a proactive approach to reduce their risk.  While wearing sunscreen and steering clear of high-sun times can help, thousands of people are still diagnosed with potentially-dangerous melanoma each year. Some people are genetically susceptible to melanoma, but many cases of skin cancer go undetected until the melanoma has reached its advanced stages.

People with early stages of melanoma can undergo surgery to have the skin removed, but treatment decisions are only made after a thorough consultation.

If the vaccine is approved for use in the United States, doctors may soon be able to administer a simple injection to eliminate the deadly virus, helping patients build up enough resistance to fight the cancer on their own. Still, dermatologists advise all individuals to practice safe sunning habits in order to reduce their risk of developing cancer in the first place.