Mr. Bilbray’s feelings on melanoma run deep. His own daughter, Briana, who is 25, underwent surgery for the cancer, KPBS reported. This inspired him to fight for public funding to fight this cancer. Carolyn Maloney of New York also joins him in this fight. The bill is known as H.R. 5716, The Melanoma Research Act of 2012. The legislation establishes a Skin Research Fund which works alongside the National Institutes of Health.

“The funding source for the Skin Cancer Research Fund will come from existing user fees derived from indoor tanning services.  According to a September 2011 Inspector General report, tanning service user fees have generated $54.4 million”, Bilbray’s website states. Bilbray says that we can no longer ignore the dangers of skin cancer. Too many people are affected these days and it is time we all stand up against it. We can no longer ignore melanoma and other skin cancers.

The legislation will also cover not only melanoma, but Actinic keratosis, Basal cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and Squamous cell carcinoma. The article also states that the bill is supported by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Melanoma Research Alliance and the Melanoma Research Fund.

We at MoleSafe applaud these efforts. It takes wise minds like Bilbray and Maloney to see that we must alert the public of the dangers of skin cancer. We think they’re doing a great job!

What do YOU think? Let us know below!

Since 2008, Molesafe, with locations in Milburn, Freehold and NYU Medical Center, has been using a digital-photography based system that produces images that allow a dermatologist to detect melanomas while still quite small, or before they reach a size that a patient might even notice the troubling spot themselves… It relies on digital photography methods that present doctors with an unprecedented view of pigmented skin legions, allowing for earlier diagnosis of melanoma.

Dr. Bezozo compares a MoleSafe scan to a mammogram. Gynecologists use mammograms to detect breast cancer, and a MoleSafe scan does the same for skin cancer. He also points out that, “A doctor’s first tool is his eyes…By using dermoscopy, it makes the melanoma appear to be lighted from behind, as if in a light box”. This allows doctors to see what cannot be seen by the naked eye alone. Dermoscopy provides more precision.

MoleSafe scans also allow doctors to create a “timeline”. Pictures of a patients’ moles can be compared from visit to visit, and growth can be tracked.  This is much more accurate than the ABCDs and now ABCDEs of melanoma.

The program begins with a comprehensive history focusing on your skin. This is followed by total body photography that allows for a heightened perspective of your skin, the largest organ of your body. Finally, total body dermoscopy is performed. Each mole is examined with a dermatoscope, the lesions that meet their criteria are then imaged and mapped and sent for an evaluation by an expert dermatologist. As Molesafe is the most advance early detection and surveillance program for melanoma, patient’s follow-up annually for reimaging.

Patients and their dermatologists each keep digital records of their scans, and soon a cloud storage system will be available. This will allow patients to check their skin at home based off of their digital images.

There are currently 40 melanoma screening centers around the world. The cost of an initial scan is $395, and a follow-up visit is $295. Insurers however are beginning to pick up the process, and it is felt that eventually it will be generally accepted by insurance companies.

Do you have any other questions for us? Please comment down below and let us know!

Women with melanoma are known to have higher survival rates than men, but the details of the difference had never been thoroughly explored. Some experts have proposed that men have more advanced disease at diagnosis because they are less aware of melanoma, less likely to be screened, and less likely to seek medical care for a suspect lesion. Others contend that biologic differences between the sexes account for survival differences, and point to estrogen as a likely contributor. 

 This issue was examined by analyzing results of four clinical phase III studies. These studies were performed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. “The trials, which investigated different therapies for the disease, involved detailed medical records and ‘meticulous’ follow-up of 2,672 patients (48% men and 52% women)”, the article stated.

The difference between the sexes went across numerous subgroups. That was also regardless of the location of the lesion, the thickness, the presences of ulceration, and whether the patient underwent any biopsies or lymph node dissection. “If the hypothesis about sex differences in melanoma detection, screening, and diagnostic delays were true, there should be marked differences in the discrepancy between men and women across such subgroups; but no such differences were found”.

This female advantage allows for a delay in progression of the cancer, as well as a larger subset of melanomas being cured. Scientists are researching whether estrogen plays a role in this advantage, and in order to do this, they classified female patients by age. Postmenopausal women retained the 30% advantage in survival compared with premenopausal women. The advantage in disease specific survival declined significantly, however. This makes estrogen alone not accountable for the difference between women and men.

Scientists are continuing to find the answer behind this statistic, but nonetheless this is an important figure. The rate of melanoma has been increasingly on the rise, especially for women, and this 30% may give hope to some. We at MoleSafe think that this is an incredible find!

What do YOU think? Let us know below! 

Scotland had 1,141 cases of melanoma in 2010 and this figure even comes after a 2008 act which banned indoor tanning for those under 18. Ms. Sturgeon was joined in her warning by Jacqui Carruthers, a mother who at 29 was diagnosed with melanoma. Carruthers used tanning beds regularly throughout her teens and 20s. She wanted to have a “healthy, tanned appearance”.

Of her diagnosis, Carruthers said, “When I was diagnosed I felt as though my life had been pulled from under me. I was completely naive and didn’t believe that this could happen to me. I’m not pale-skinned and I don’t burn, so I didn’t think that skin cancer would ever be an issue. I would warn anyone against using sunbeds as they are significantly increasing their risk of getting cancer”.

Sir Harry Burns, Chief Medical Officer, stated that although the survival rate in Scotland is higher than in other European countries, skin cancer and melanoma were still very serious risks. He reminds us that it it very important to have your skin checked by a doctor. Melanoma, being the sixth most common form of cancer in Scotland, is clearly a very serious risk.

Here at MoleSafe, we hope that the rest of the world takes note of Scotland’s statistics and see that they too are at risk. We must all work together to spread the word on prevention.

What do YOU think? Let us know!

The new labels will no longer be able to say water-proof because sunscreen is not water-proof. Water-resistant shall be the new term. The labels must also be modified to say that the sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. No longer can the bottles promise all day protection. “In order to pass the FDA’s test, the sunscreen must protect against UVA and UVB rays and be 15 SPF or higher to protect against skin cancer. Anything lower than that must carry a warning label saying that while the product may prevent sunburn, it doesn’t protect against sun damage or skin cancer”, the article stated.

Dr. Allison Holm says that people should be using about a shot-glass full of sunscreen for the best protection. She also reminds us to remember our scalp, ears, and the palms of our hands when applying. The sun can hit everywhere and these areas are often missed when applying sunscreen. The doctor also recommends an SPF number of 30 or higher.

These suggestions sound great to us at MoleSafe. We also feel that the new labels on sunscreen bottles are going to provide much better instructions for consumers. Hopefully people will heed this advice.

What do YOU think? Let us know below!

This number was based off of a March 2012 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The study involved 70,000 patients with 5-year followups.  Sadler reminds us however:

…that retinol (a type of vitamin A) can be very harmful if taken in excess. The ADA (American Dietetic Association) guidelines are 700-900 micrograms daily. Taking more than 2800mg a day may lead to serious complications such as birth defects, mental problems, and liver problems according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

According to the March study, there is no correlation between melanoma and vitamin A found in one’s diet. The vitamin A is only helpful in retinol forms. The study also showed that the vitamin was more protective for women than for men, although researchers are unsure of why this is. Sadler also suggests that:

…if you have had precancerous moles, a history of melanoma or carry a higher risk of melanoma (refer to yesterdays blog), then a reasonable dose of daily vitamin A ( approximately 2000mcg) daily could reduce your risk of melanoma. Let me clarify that I would ONLY add this supplement after a conversation with your physician as high doses may not be healthy for some people with underlying medical conditions. Additionally, there is always the risk of drug interactions of vitamin A with your other medications.

As for body lotions and facial creams, the article warns that especially in the case of acne products, the high amounts of retinol actually increases sun sensitivity, so people must be very careful. Here at MoleSafe, we think that this is a very interesting idea. We’re sure that as researchers continue to look into this we will have a more definitive answer to how helpful vitamin A really is.

What do YOU think? Comment below and let us know!

Researchers conducted a population-based study using records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a decades-long database of all patient care in Olmsted County, Minn. They looked for first-time diagnoses of melanoma in patients 18 to 39 from 1970 to 2009. The study found the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men. The lifetime risk of melanoma is higher in males than females, but the opposite is true in young adults and adolescents, Dr. Brewer says. Researchers also found mortality rates from the disease have improved over the years, likely due to early detection of skin cancer and prompt medical care.

Luckily, people are beginning to see the importance of getting their skin checked, and this has prevented late detection. What needs to happen however is initial prevention such as avoiding tanning all together, or being extremely vigilant in using sunscreen and other UV protectants. Avoiding indoor tanning is another key as proven by many of the woman under 40 with skin cancer who had at one time or another used a tanning booth.

We at MoleSafe, only hope that research such as this helps to push the idea that the sun can cause serious damage down the line. A simple sunburn can one day prove to be very dangerous. Skin cancer is nothing to push aside and forget about. Skin cancer is a real risk.

What do YOU think? Comment below and let us know!

The first myth is that a sunburn is worse than a suntan. As the article points out, this is a common misconception. “’It’s the same thing,’ says Dr. Rachel Ness, dermatologist with Dermatology Associates in Fargo. ‘There’s no such thing as a safe tan when it involves UV exposure,’ she adds”.

Another myth is that indoor tanning is safer than outdoor tanning. That could not be farther from the truth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point out that both are quite dangerous. Some studies, such as one based in Minnesota, found that indoor tanning could actually be even worse that outdoor tanning.

Myth number three is that tanning is the only successful way of getting enough vitamin D. The CDC however points out that there are supplements which exist to provide the body with this important vitamin. This way you are able to avoid any risk from UV exposure.

The final  myth is that tanning can help improve skin issues. This one may slightly be true, as in the case of helping acne, but it is not a long term solution. There are UV devices to treat dermatitis and psoriasis, but those are used under the proper supervision of a physician.

So, inform your friends and family! Let them know that these myths simply are not true, and that tanning is not a safe option. There are other ways, healthy ways, to achieve a glow. We at MoleSafe hope you enjoy the spring and the summer, but that you do so safely!

What do YOU think about these myths? Let us know below!

 US doctors say: “We should not wait for our patients with skin cancer to come to us when it may be too late, but use research and outreach methods to improve early detection of head and neck melanomas by capitalising on the role of hairdressers and their unique relationship with our potential clients.”

Hairdressers would not be able to diagnose any of their customers, but they would be able to point out any irregularities, and then suggest that the customer see a doctor. A poll was done by Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust, and it found that most hairdressers were more than willing to take on this extra task. In the 36,000 salons located in the UK, researchers are hoping that the skin checks might become a routine.

The Melanoma Taskforce produced a set of guidelines for this in 2010. The guidelines helped hairdressers identify basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. “ A spokeswoman for the British Association of Dermatologists, a charity that is part of the taskforce, said: ‘It would be dangerous to suggest that such a small amount of ‘training’ qualifies health and beauty professionals to diagnose skin cancer. However, they can help in spotting changes to the skin in places that their clients can’t usually see.’”.

Spotting skin cancer early provides a better chance for treatment for patients, and we at MoleSafe think that this could only add to people being more aware of their skin. What do YOU think? Should this be happening in the U.S., as well?

Comment below, and let us know!

The measure proposes a ban on people 18 and younger from going to tanning salons. Under the bill, if salons allow underage children to tan, they will have to pay a fine of up to $100 to the health department or health district for the municipality.

Nancy Alderman, president of Environment and Human Health Inc., said that this bill is preventing youth from contracting cancer. She points out that unlike cigarettes, which usually don’t cause cancer until later in a person’s life, tanning can cause cancer at 25 and 30. “The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology all support the ban, citing a number of studies linking tanning salons and increased risk of melanoma. The International Journal of Cancer found that using tanning facilities before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75 percent”, the article stated.

It seems to be the tanning salon owners of course, who most oppose this bill. Shannon Whipple,who owns a salon in Norwalk, Connecticut says that, “They are going to ban tanning indoors, but there is no one policing beaches saying to young children that they have been outside for more than a half an hour so they should go inside…They are the ones getting burned”. Whipple feels that if the government is so concerned with the health of children they should be looking into what school cafeterias are serving.

Thomas Petitti, another tanning salon owner, wonders how the law would even be enforced. He feels that people will ignore the law and tan anyway. Some teens believe this as well, and already claim that if the law was passed they would still attempt to tan. The hope is however, that by establishing this law teens will never get a taste of indoor tanning to begin with, therefore not maintaining the habit as adults.

What do YOU think? Is this law a good idea? Let us at MoleSafe know below!