Posts Tagged ‘awareness’
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
Duke University is testing a promising new Melanoma detection laser - which, for the first time, gives scientists the ability to identify substantial chemical differences between cancerous and healthy skin tissues and prevent unnecessary biopsies, by identifying a pigment more prominent in cancerous moles. As of now it is being tested on biopsied tissue samples, but may eventually be an effective pre-biopsy tool as well.
There are two issues at play here. The first is the need for improved detection of Melanoma. As we’ve noted here repeatedly, the MoleSafe technique takes skin cancer assessments and screenings to the next level, well beyond the “naked eye exam,” which, as I described again in my last post, is a good precursory practice between more rigorous screenings but is out-dated when used as the exclusive approach. The second issue is that there is still the challenge in interpreting the results of biopsies of suspicious moles, no matter how they are discovered.
As the Duke article says,
Doctors typically use a light and a magnifying glass or tissue biopsy, where a pathologist removes suspicious skin cells and looks at them under a microscope, to spot signs of disease. But using a lens and a light is a “17th century” technique that is only 85 percent accurate, at best, and tissue biopsy is not much more reliable…
In 14 percent of biopsy diagnoses, pathologists would disagree on whether or not the sampled cells were cancerous, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology. The statistic implies that two pathologists would have opposing diagnoses on 214,000 to 643,000 melanoma cases each year.
Since, as a result, many doctors will follow the “when in doubt, cut it out” philosophy, this new laser holds the promise of maximizing accurate diagnoses, and down the road perhaps being a promising pre-biopsy screening tool as well.
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In other screening news, Bloomberg’s BusinessWeek reported on a story posted in the Archives of Dermatology on the increased skin self-exams conducted by kidney transplant patients from good old-fashioned education and information. Compliance in self-exams jumped to 89% among those in the study group, resulting in a dozen patients actually spotting an area of concern and making an appointment with their dermatologist.
The patients in the intervention group were given printed educational materials to promote skin self-examination. The patients in the control group did not receive the educational materials. Follow-up revealed that patients in the intervention group were much more likely to perform skin self-examinations than those in the control group — 89 percent vs. 22 percent.
This just underscores the ongoing need for education and awareness. We hope more physicians will take the time to educate ALL patients – high risk or not.
Tags: Archives of Dermatology, awareness, Businessweek, Detection, Duke University, laser, Melanoma, MoleSafe, research, screenings, Skin Cancer, statistics
Posted in News/Events, Science and Studies, Self Exam | No Comments »
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
Valentine’s Day is upon us once again with another a way to show your love, and show your skin! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation couples with close bonds are about three times more likely to perform a mutual skin exam. Unofficial sources suggest those couples have more fun, too! But kidding aside, we all need to find every opportunity to scrutinize our skin, from head to between the toes. Here’s how. 
While dermatascopes and the analyses used at MoleSafe are the most effective in detecting skin cancers and Melanoma, being vigilant by starting with your own naked eye exam is important, too. AND it’s important for doctors to mandate that as well. Shockingly, only 59.6 percent of family practitioners and 56.4 percent of internists conduct regular full-body skin exams, compared to 81.3 percent of dermatologists. (We would like to know why it is not 100% of dermatologists, though.)
According to a story in Bloomberg Businessweek last month,
“The most common reasons for not performing this type of examination were patient embarrassment/reluctance, time constraints, and other patient illnesses.”
About half of the internists and family practitioners cited time constraints as an impediment to conducting the naked eye exams.
I find all those reasons unacceptable since taking five minutes is nothing compared to a diseases that takes lives.
Our post in 2009 here on Melanoma Updates publicized the suggestion that not only should medical students be trained in naked eye exams no matter their ultimate specialization, but asking your doctor to keep an eye open while checking your lungs and seeing your back, or seeing your legs while checking your reflexes.
So, show the love this year and start by checking yourself, check your mate, and check with your doctor.
Tags: awareness, Dermoscopy, Melanoma, MoleSafe, research, screenings, Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Foundation, studies
Posted in Science and Studies, Self Exam | No Comments »
Monday, January 31st, 2011
Exactly six months ago, I shared a blog with Melanoma Updates readers, written by a woman chronicling her battle with Melanoma. I shared her story because I was impressed by her good attitude, helpful information, and generosity of spirit, and thought her blog would be helpful beyond her small community in Cyprus. Her name is Alethea Ayers and she is the 35 year old mother of a toddler.
While there are, sadly, many victims of skin cancers and Melanoma — hence the existence of Melanoma Updates and our goal of driving awareness and preventative actions, Alethea is one who has been inspiring and very public about her battle with the disease.
Now that battle has faced a two-sided assault: she has received news of some 10 brain tumors, and is also fighting to raise the funds to travel from Cyprus to Germany for more advanced treatments. As a physician I can say that this kind of metastasis is unfortunately statistically common in Melanoma patients, and survival rates are statistically unsatisfying. You can read more on brain metastases on the Skin Cancer Foundation Web site.
I can tell you I don’t know Alethea, and have not vetted her case or her cause, but between her Facebook page and very specific blog posts I find her story and attitude very compelling and worth the read… and perhaps a contribution. That is a personal decision, and there are many worthy causes we could all support. At the very least, I want to share her very human emotions in her latest post here, filled with reminders of what we’ve been touting at MoleSafe as well:
Getting hopeful with every passing day as it means a day closer to when I can start my treatment. I can’t wait till they start shrinking these darn things and I can start a normal life again.
No one teaches you in school or as you grow up what do to in these situations, there’s no break glass in case of emergency and there is no instruction manual on what to do in case you get brain tumours. So I live every minute by the minute and make it through the day with all your wonderful help.
All I ask that you please please avoid sunbeds, and sunbathing. Please love the skin you are in. Milk bottle white, means you are alive and will be alive. Life is too precious.
Love the skin you are in.
Tags: Alethea Ayers, awareness, Melanoma, MoleSafe, Skin Cancer, Skin Cancer Foundation, statistics, tanning
Posted in News/Events, Personal Stories, Updates | No Comments »
Friday, December 31st, 2010
This update is just a thank you to all our friends and patients of MoleSafe and readers of MelanomaUpdates.com, and warm wishes for a heavenly Twenty-Eleven. As we face a new year lots of us like to reflect on what occurred and what we hope the next year may bring. This time last year we announced our alignment with the Charles C. Harris Skin and Cancer Unit at NYU’s world-renowned Langone Medical Center – the first major hospital in the United States to partner with and adopt the MoleSafe methodology. As you may know, the approach we use is the “gold standard” of skin cancer detection in high occurence countries such as New Zealand and Australia, having the prestigious NYU Medical Center implement the MoleSafe method was a wonderful way to start 2010.
Now, with six clinic locations in the United States – from Albuquerque to Savannah, it is hugely satisfying to know that we’ve helped thousands find peace of mind about an area of concern, or even prolonged or saved some lives via early detection of Melanoma. And skim through our other past blog posts this past year and it’s clear the word about best practices in detection and skin cancer prevention is getting out there more and more. Yet my wish for the New Year is to offer peace of mind and good health to thousands more, from all of us at MoleSafe around the country, as we continue to fight the good fight.
Thank you for sharing this blog with your friends and family — and for remembering that the new year is a good time to renew a commitment to regular skin cancer check ups!
Tags: awareness, Detection, Melanoma, MoleSafe, NYU, Prevention, Skin Cancer
Posted in News/Events, Personal Stories, Updates | No Comments »
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
On the heels of my last post, showing supermodel Marissa Miller in just the skin she’s striving to protect from sun damage, Allure Magazine coincidentally polled readers on their tanning habits. In sync with about 72% of participants in a poll by American Academy of Dermatology, results from a survey done by Emory University on on HotorNot.com showed most respondents feel that tanner just looks, well, sexier and, sadly, healthier.
Most distressing is still the lack of concern about the clear correlation between tanning and skin cancers, even when that risk is specifically explained. On ABCnews.com Dr. Audrey Kunin said:
It’s incredibly difficult to get someone not to do something that perceive as providing them with a positive perception. It was the same thing with smoking. Especially younger people have a hard time seeing themselves as getting older and having to deal with these risks. … “All of my younger melanoma patients, girls in their early twenties, have been tanning bed users,” says Kunin. She tries to put things into perspective by pointing out that twenty minutes in a tanning bed is the same as an entire day on the beach with no sun block, but she says that until they have skin cancer, it’s hard to get people really to understand the risk.”
So what DOES resonate with young tanners? Good old human vanity and fear of aging, according to the story in Allure:
In another recent study…[2/3rds] of women who saw the effects smoking would have on their faces vowed to give up their bad habit…as a direct consequence of seeing how their appearance will change.
Harvard Department of Dermatology’s Dr. Kristina Collins suggests the young person who is tanning addicted ask an older friend or relative, such as their mom or grandmother, to show them their sun-exposed forearm up against the more more sun-protected abdomen. The arm skin will usually look much older compared to the skin on their stomach, and “the young people will usually be pretty surprised by what they see….freckles, age spots, poor skin tone” compared to the stomach skin, which can often look 30 years younger. That, she says, may help them to redefine “what’s hot” — tanning and aging faster, or not.
The tan transition aid? Spray tans and other self-tanners… And more celebrities coming out and taking a stand — naked or not! — about sun safety.
Tags: American Academy of Dermatology, awareness, Marissa Miller, research, Skin Cancer, statistics, tanning, tanning salons, teen skincancer
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Sunday, December 12th, 2010
There’s a new weapon in the fight against tanning – one of the leading contributors to skin cancer and melanoma…And it’s about 5’8 and from Santa Barbara, CA. The weapon? Marissa Miller of Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret fame — oh, and named 2010’s Sexiest Woman in the World by FHM Magazine this year.
Marissa Miller and the Bare Facts about Skin Cancer
This time Miller went beyond the bathing suit or lingerie and took it all off (except for a pair of sneakers) for Marc Jacobs’ new skin cancer awareness campaign called Protect the Skin You’re In. I’m of the belief that if something will help call attention to our cause then who am I to stand in the way — especially when one of our MoleSafe clinic location partners will benefit? In all seriousness, this Hats On Award goes to Marc Jacobs, who will feature the eye-popping ads on yellow t-shirts available at Marc Jacobs boutiques, with all the proceeds going to the NYU Cancer Institute.
It’s also good to read some of the comments on Ms Miller’s blog about the photo and the campaign: a few readers wrote in to note that they had definitely stopped tanning. (Note: Our next post? On what one magazine is suggesting might “scare kids straight…out of the tanning bed.)
One thing we should point out: even though Ms Miller did leave her sneakers on, don’t forget to include your feet, and even between the toes, during your regular skin self-exams!
Tags: awareness, Detection, Marissa Miller, MoleSafe, NYU, screenings, Self Exam, Skin Cancer
Posted in Hats On Award, News/Events, Self Exam, Updates | No Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2010
To his credit, Dr Mehmet Oz’s web site features some 1600+ comments resulting from a search on the topic of Melanoma, including an array of videos. We’re launching a “Hat’s On” salute (get it? sun protection vs Hat’s Off?!) from MoleSafe and Melanoma Updates to those doing a good job creating more awareness and quality information on preventing and treating skin cancers.
So, our first Hat’s On Award goes to Dr Oz, for his very informative, and sometimes in-your-face real, series of answers and show segments on this disease.
In this example, he shows off the mole of an audience member to explain the ABCDEs of self-exams. In another more startling audience experience he shows a real tissue sample of the effects of skin cancer.
Dr Oz Showing Skin Cancer Tissue Sample
Even his fans have picked up the gauntlet: here’s a written summary of the above skin cancer prevention show in this blog excerpt created by “DrOzFans.com”:
Dr Oz: How to Avoid Skin Cancer
The Dr Oz Cancer Proof Your Life show including a segment on the number one cancer you can avoid – Skin Cancer. Over 1 million Americans are diagnosed with Skin Cancer and almost 1 person every hour dies from it. Doctor Oz said that Skin Cancer is preventable. A Melanoma usually has pigment, but it does not have to have a color to be dangerous. He showed a sample of a real Skin Cancer that looked very rough and scaly on the surface.
Here is Dr Oz’s list of true / false questions about Skin Cancer. See how many you get right!
1. If you live in North Dakota & use sunscreen, your risk of Melanoma may be greater than someone in South Florida?
Dr Oz said that this is true because people in North Dakota have a higher risk for Skin Cancer for two reasons. One reason is that there is less ozone in North Dakota than in Florida, so the UV rays can get through more easily. The second reason is that Vitamin D helps to prevent Skin Cancer, and Northerners tend to be low in Vitamin D. So Dr Oz suggested taking vitamin D supplements or you can be in the sun for only 15 minutes a day, and after that you must apply sunscreen. Dr Oz said that the right amount of sunscreen to apply is the amount that would fill up a shot glass (1.5 ounces).
2. The Color of Your Clothes Can Protect You From Skin Cancer?
True! Dr Oz said that different colors of clothes do protect you from the sun better. For example, red or blue fabrics are harder for the rays to get through, whereas white or yellow clothing puts you at a greater risk. This past summer I noticed a trend in companies offering clothing with built in sunscreen, which also seems like a great option. Dr Oz said that your face is very prone to getting Skin Cancer, and it is twice as likely to kill you if you get it there, so make sure to cover your head with a hat too.
3. Pedicures Increase Your risk of Skin Cancer? 
Dr Oz said that it is true that Pedicures increase your chances of getting Skin Cancer. You must remove nail polish at least once a month to make sure nothing is growing underneath your nail. Also, the UV light used in nail drying machines may cause cancer, so either ask your nail technician to turn off the UV light or just let your nails air dry.
Tags: ABCDEs, awareness, Best Practices, Detection, Doctor Oz, Dr Mehmet Oz, Dr. Oz, Hat's Off Award, How-To, Melanoma, MoleSafe, Prevention, screenings, Skin Cancer, UV light, Vitamin D
Posted in News/Events, Self Exam, Smart Prevention Practices | No Comments »
Saturday, October 30th, 2010
In the spirit of Halloween, we encourage you to take off your costume. And all your clothes, for that matter!
Checking yourself or partner for skin cancer means taking regular reviews of all the spots and dots on your body.
Here’s an oldie but goodie post about early skin cancer detection and a how-to reminder on skin cancer self-exams.
Stay safe and have fun out there!
Tags: ABCDEs, awareness, Best Practices, chocolate, Detection, Prevention, screenings, Skin Cancer
Posted in Self Exam | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
Stephen J Cannell passed away in early October at the age of 69, due to complications from Melanoma. The creator of “The Rockford Files” and “The A Team,” Cannell produced more than 40 TV series including “Baretta,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Wiseguy.” Certainly his loved ones will suffer the loss as much as any who lose a family member or friend. But when a high-profile personality falls victim to Melanoma it does help raise awareness and the point that this is not a disease that can easily be won even with access to the most expensive of doctors and treatments.
It is an equal opportunity assailant.
The good news is the money IS being well spent in research and seems to be starting to pay off. As I wrote about Bob Marley and other celebrities who have suffered and lost to Melanoma, vigilance is key, no matter your walk of life. Regular screenings at MoleSafe can SAVE LIVES via earlier diagnoses. In addition, as requested by the producer’s family, you may choose to honor someone with a donation to the American Cancer Society …or the Melanoma Research Foundation or the other organizations they list who are also doing excellent research towards finding better treatments and hopefully a cure:
If you know others doing great work, please share!
Tags: "American Cancer Society", Aim at Melanoma, awareness, Bob Marley, celebrity tans, Detection, Donations, Melanoma, Melanoma Research Foundation, MoleSafe, National Cancer Institute, research, Stephen J. Cannell, Susan Fazio Foundation
Posted in News/Events, Personal Stories | No Comments »
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Where has the summer gone? Well, in advance of what may be the last hurrah for some with Labor Day weekend approaching, here’s one more reminder that beach umbrellas are not foolproof protection.
Researchers from the University of Valencia found that 34% of ultraviolet radiation filters through under beach umbrellas. The umbrellas catch almost all of the direct rays but not the diffused radiation that penetrates through from the sides.
While you’ll read a lot about melanoma awareness, prevention and early detection here at Melanoma Updates, it’s important to remember that “an excess of ultraviolet radiation is not only related to the appearance of melanoma, they say, it is also connected to sunburn, photoageing, many eye disorders (especially cataracts), weakness of the immune system and DNA damage.”
So, sometimes a cover-up can be the whole story.
Tags: awareness, Best Practices, Melanoma, Skin Cancer, tanning
Posted in News/Events, Science and Studies, Smart Prevention Practices | No Comments »
