A Melanoma Warning for Millennials and Gen Z
Medical review by Alissa O'Brien, MD
Whether you’re in your 30s, 20s or teens, chances are you think of skin cancer as a vague and distant threat, if you think of it at all. But the statistics may surprise you.
It’s true that melanoma, which can be fatal, is most often seen in older adults. The average age at diagnosis is 63. But that doesn’t mean it can’t happen earlier in life — it can, and more and more often, it does. In fact, melanoma is the most diagnosed age-related cancer among people ages 25 to 29. In people ages 15 to 29, it’s the third most common age-related cancer for males and fourth most common for females.
Young women get melanoma more often than young men. Before age 50, women are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer except breast and thyroid cancer.
But men should wake up and smell the sunscreen, too. Cases of melanoma on the head and neck increased by 51% among children, teens and young adults in the U.S. and Canada between 1995 and 2014 according to a 2019 study; and in the U.S., most of the increase was driven by melanoma in white males.
A deadlier threat in men
Melanoma is deadlier in men, including young men, than women. One study found that while teen and young adult males were less likely than females of the same age to develop melanoma, they were 55% more likely to die of it, regardless of tumor thickness.
Experts don’t understand all the reasons men face worse melanoma survival rates than women, but they do know that men’s skin and women’s skin are structurally different. Women are also more likely to wear sunscreen — and are less hesitant to see a doctor when they suspect something’s wrong.
An ounce (or two) of prevention
Sun protection is the key to preventing most cases of melanoma. That means staying out of the sun when its rays are strongest and protecting yourself from head to toe with clothing, hats and broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more). Don’t skimp on the sunscreen, either. Imagine filling a shot glass, which holds 1.5 ounces, with sunscreen. That’s about how much you need to cover your face and body.
Guys: If you are bald or balding and choose not to wear a hat, put sunscreen on your head. Men are more prone to skin cancer on the scalp (and ears) than women. A gel or spray sunscreen works well on hairy areas. If you wear a hat, you still need to apply sunscreen to your face, ears and neck.
If you go shirtless, apply sunscreen all over, including under your arms. But even if you keep your shirt on, it’s smart to apply sunscreen underneath. If you can see light through your shirt when you hold it up to the sun, UV rays can get to your skin through it.
No such thing as a healthy tan
In 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield published results of a survey showing that among millennials:
- 58% think a tan makes you more attractive
- 53% believe a tan makes you look healthy
- 31% use tanning beds to get a base tan
Attractiveness is objective, so you should ask yourself if you’d rather have a tan or skin cancer. As far as “base tans” go, there’s no such thing. And tanning bed use before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%.
Male or female, light skinned or dark, melanoma prevention should be on everyone’s radar, especially those of us living in Florida. In addition to protecting yourself from UV rays, it’s also important to heed the warning signs of melanoma. The reason is simple: Early diagnosis and treatment just may save your life.
Written by Ann Pietrangelo, an author and freelance writer specializing in health and wellness.
Skin Cancer Treatments
Hearing the word “cancer” can be scary. However, when it comes to skin cancer, it doesn’t have to be frightening. Although it is the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer is highly curable when caught and treated early.
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer or a pre-cancerous spot, schedule a visit with one of our highly-skilled skin experts. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, you have the best options for curing your skin cancer. Not only are do we have many highly specialized Mohs surgeons on staff, but we are the only dermatology practice in Florida that also offers electron beam therapy as a non-surgical option for our patients. Both treatment options boast high success rates for curing skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer and Pre-Cancer
Actinic Keratosis
This is a “pre-cancer” and is usually treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical (on the skin) medications.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer diagnosed in the US. It is very curable and rarely spreads (metastasizes). Treatments for basal cell carcinoma include: curetting and electrodesiccation, excision, Mohs Surgery or radiation therapy. Occasionally, very superficial and small basal cell carcinomas can be treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical medication.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second more common skin cancer. Generally, it is very curable and has a low risk of spreading (metastasizing) if small and flat. Treatments for basal cell carcinoma include: curetting and electrodesiccation, excision, Mohs Surgery or radiation therapy. Occasionally, very superficial and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical medication.
Malignant Melanoma
This type of cancer is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and must be treated aggressively. Melanoma requires immediate attention because it is an aggressive cancer that can spread (metastasize) to local lymph nodes or beyond. Treatment of Melanoma is typically managed by a team of providers specializing in Mohs surgery and radiation therapy. Thankfully, many melanomas are detected at a very early stage during annual skin checks performed by our highly skilled skin experts.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we believe you should have a choice when it comes to treating your skin cancer. Whereas most dermatology practices only offer surgical options, Water’s Edge Dermatology is different. We offer our patients the choice between the standard surgical options and a non-surgical option with electron beam therapy.
Below are the most common skin cancer treatment options available to you at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
Curetting and Electrodesiccation
This procedure involves removing cancerous skin through scraping & cauterization. The resulting wounds can take 4-6 weeks to heal.
Excision
This is an in-office surgical procedure where the cancerous tissue is removed from the patient using a local anesthetic.
Mohs Surgery
Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, this surgical technique is used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by completely removing the tumor. Mohs Surgery is most commonly used for people who have skin cancer on high-risk locations (the face, neck or hands), recurrent cancer at any site, a predisposition to multiple skin cancers or rapidly growing or large tumors.
During Mohs Surgery, layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed, immediately frozen and then examined by a surgeon under a microscope until all the cancer is gone. Once the cancer is removed, the area is repaired with stitches by the provider or a plastic surgeon, depending on the depth and shape of the wound. This process typically takes 2-4 hours. Mohs Surgery is performed under local anesthetic, adding to the safety of this procedure.
Mohs Surgery offers among the highest cancer cure rate while minimizing removal of the surrounding healthy tissue. It has been cited that the cure rate for Mohs Surgery is between 97% - 99% for basal cell carcinoma, with a lower cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma.
Electron Beam Therapy
Electron beam therapy is a state-of-the-art type of superficial radiation therapy. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive, pain-free treatment option that is highly effective at treating many types of skin cancer while providing excellent cosmetic results. Previously only available at major cancer centers and hospitals, Water’s Edge Dermatology is one of the only dermatology practices in Florida offering this state-of-the-art skin cancer treatment.
This technique uses a finely tailored electron particle beam to selectively destroy cancer cells, “melting away” the cancer and sparing normal tissues. It does not use penetrating radiation and is very different from the type of radiation therapy used to treat other cancers, such as breast, lung and prostate. Treatment is delivered in a series of gentle, two-minute sessions five days a week for a course of 3-6 weeks. The total length of treatment depends on several factors including cancer type, location and medical history. During the course of treatment, there are no limitations on daily activities. You can continue normal activities such as work, exercise, swimming, etc. throughout your treatment.
This non-surgical option is ideal for cancers located on the face, scalp, extremities or any location on the body where surgery might be challenging or where the best possible cosmetic outcome is desired. Additionally, radiation therapy is a safer alternative to surgery for patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking some medications (including blood thinners). Like other common skin cancer treatments, electron beam therapy is generally covered by insurance.
It is important to know that most skin cancers can be treated with surgery or electron beam therapy. Both options come with advantages and disadvantages. If you have received a skin cancer diagnosis and would like to discuss treatment options, please contact us at (877) 544-3880. We are happy discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option with you and answer any questions you may have.
Spotting Skin Cancer
Have you ever looked at a spot on your skin and asked yourself, “Should I be concerned about that?” Most of us have. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we want to help make everyone smarter about skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Early detection is vital. When diagnosed early, skin cancer treatment has a high success rate. Though most skin cancer occurs on the outside of your body, it can appear anywhere – from your scalp to between your toes and even the bottoms of your feet and under your nails.
The American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to conduct regular skin self-exams. That way you can be aware of any changes in your skin over time. If possible, have a partner do a skin check with you and help you examine hard-to-see areas like your scalp and back.
What skin cancer looks like
Skin cancer can appear on the body in different ways and can look like:
- A changing mole or mole that appears different from your other moles;
- A dome-shaped growth;
- A scaly patch;
- A non-healing sore or sore that heals and comes back;
- A brown or black streak under a finger or toenail.
Dermatologists sum it up this way: If you notice a spot on your skin that differs from the others, changes, itches or bleeds, you see your dermatologist and have it checked out.
But I don’t feel sick
You can have skin cancer and feel just fine. In fact, most people who find a suspicious spot on their skin or a streak under a nail report that they don’t feel ill. If you notice a suspicious-looking spot, make an appointment with your Water's Edge Dermatology provider. Remember, when diagnosed early, skin cancer treatment is highly successful. If it is allowed time to grow, treatment can become more difficult.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are quite common and generally not life-threatening. Often, they can be treated using non-surgical methods such as Electron Beam Therapy. MOHS surgery is sometimes recommended depending on the size and location of the skin cancer.
Melanoma is a more serious type of skin cancer, though when detected early, melanoma is also highly treatable. People with an increased risk of melanoma, including men older than 50, people with more than 50 moles or large or unusual moles, people with fair skin, and those with a history of cancer, should talk to a dermatologist about how often they should schedule a skin exam from their practitioner.
What will the dermatologist do?
When you see your dermatologist for a suspicious spot, the provider will first examine the area. If it looks like it could be skin cancer, your dermatologist will remove all or part of it as part of a skin biopsy. A biopsy of the suspicious growth is the only way to diagnose skin cancer.
The biopsy is reviewed under a microscope by a dermapathologist to see if cancer cells are present. If cancer cells are identified, the biopsy report explain what type of skin cancer cells were found. Following a skin cancer diagnosis, your dermatologist can recommend the best skin cancer treatment for you.
If no cancer cells are found, the biopsy report will explain what was found under the microscope.
Water’s Edge Dermatology recommends that everyone have skin cancer screenings from a board-certified dermatologist, especially in sunny Florida. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy peace of mind. Click here to Request an Appointment or call 877.533.8214.
Tanning Safety & Skin Cancer Risk for Young Women
Ask most young women if appearing tanned is important to looking and feeling their best, and the answer will often be yes. Simply put, many still perceive a tanned face as a sign of health and attractiveness. It's a long-standing, common perception that still motivates millions to hit the beach and/or tanning salon, searching for that sun-kissed look. That means we need to do all we can to increase understanding of tanning safety.
Exposure to sunlight and indoor tanning means exposure to damaging UV rays, proven to be the leading cause of skin cancer. The bottom line is, young ladies still pursuing a tan via UV light are at significantly higher risk of getting skin cancer later in life.
Tanning Safety Facts & Figures
As the popularity of the “tanned look” continues, so does the rise in skin cancer cases among young women. Statistics show that more people develop melanoma from tanning than those who develop lung cancer from smoking. And current data from the Skin Cancer Foundation reveals that more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the USA are related to indoor tanning.
In fact, anyone under the age of 35 using tanning beds increases their risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent. This has prompted several states to restrict people under age 18 from patronizing businesses and using devices related to indoor UV tanning.
Prevention
Evidently, one effective way for you to prevent skin cancer is by avoiding tanning beds. Usage of them is in fact the leading cause of melanoma in the USA. And because younger women tend to be out in the sun more, here are other tips to keep the UV rays at bay:
- Apply and regularly reapply (every 80-90 minutes) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever out in sun.
- Start carrying other tanning safety essentials in a bag you leave in your car, or can carry in a shoulder bags items – such as a wide-brim hat, lightweight and long-sleeved shirt and pants, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
- Be sure to schedule a full-body skin exam at the dermatologist’s office at least once a year, more if you and/or your family has a history of skin cancer.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
In between dermatologist skin screenings, it’s important to track the status of any moles and skin spots you may have, especially new ones. You can do that with regular self-exams (or you and your significant other can examine one another), using the simple ABCDE system to look for any of the following characteristics:
- Asymmetrical moles or those with irregular shapes
- Blurry border or jagged edges
- Color not even
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving or changing moles after weeks, months, or years
If the ABCDEs don't apply to your moles, good news! You may still want to explore paying to have a mole removed, but it likely isn't a health concern. However should any of the above characteristics be found, it’s time to play it safe and find a great dermatologist in Avon Park, Jensen Beach, Lighthouse Point, or any other Florida city you happen to call home.
Getting the tanned look – safely
While being tanned may be an undying – or just a slowly dying -- beauty trend that you choose to follow…that doesn’t mean you have to rely on UV rays to do so. The selection of safe, indoor tanning creams and sprays just keeps getting bigger and better. So, if you want that tan…consider getting it from a can (or jar, bottle…you get the point)!
Call Water’s Edge Dermatology at (877) 900-3223 today, or request an appointment online.
New Skin Cancer Treatment Option Promises a Painless, Scar-Free Procedure
As summer approaches and people across the United States prepare to spend more time outside, there is one thing everyone should be doing: wearing sunscreen regularly, as well as frequently reapplying the product as necessary. This method, along with other forms of sun protection, is the best way to prevent skin cancer, a condition that is estimated to affect as many as one in five Americans over the course of their lives.
Currently, there are more than 3.5 million basal and squamous skin cancers reported in 2 million people in the United States every year, a frightening number. However, this amount does not even consider the number of cases of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, which is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. Fortunately, if you notice the signs of skin cancer, your trip to the dermatologist clinic could now be a better experience than it might have been in the past: dermatology and skin cancer specialists are reporting that several new skin cancer treatment options could make the treatment of skin cancer a more effective process.
One of the most promising of these new skin cancer treatment options is called electronic Brachytherapy, or eBx. This new development takes existing technology and applies it in a more effective manner. Typically, basal and squamous skin cancers are surgically removed, although some may be treated with chemotherapy. Electronic Brachytherapy allows dermatologists to deliver radiation in a simpler, more controlled manner, creating a non-surgical and painless alternative to other skin cancer treatment options currently on the market.
The potential benefits of eBx are numerous: in addition to a less painful and more controlled approach, the procedure would not cause scars and has a low toxicity. However, many dermatologists are hesitant to trust a treatment for skin cancer that has only been recently introduced; in fact, many say they are waiting for additional data before using it in their practices. At the very least, eBx shows how innovative medical professionals and pharmaceuticals have become when it comes to treating this common condition, a fact that could promise even more, better skin cancer treatment options in the future.
The eBx procedure is designed solely for non-melanoma skin cancers in patients who are not traditional candidates for surgery. If you suspect you have skin cancer, seek treatment from a local dermatologist immediately.
Stanford Research Team Discovers New Way to Treat Drug-Resistant Skin Cancer
An estimated one in every five Americans will reportedly develop skin cancer at some point during their lives, making the condition an extremely common and problematic disorder across the United States. Fortunately, of the more than 3.5 million nonmelanoma skin cancers that are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, most are highly curable; in fact, even melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer that can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, is treatable if it is detected early. However, dermatology and skin cancer specialists often report unexpected difficulty when it comes to one of the most popular forms of the disease, called basal cell carcinoma. Now, researchers may have uncovered genetic evidence that could explain why and even lead to new treatments.
Basal cell carcinoma, like most skin cancers, is described as a highly treatable form of the disease. Despite this fact, however, dermatologists often report that treatment for skin cancer in advanced cases, which uses a drug called vismodegib, is often only temporarily effective. Moreover, many patients later develop new tumors within a few months, which are resistant to vismodegib.
In an article published in the journal Cancer Cell, a research team from Stanford's School of Medicine reports that they have traced the origins of the vismodegib resistance, a development which they believe has revealed new skin cancer treatment methods. According to the article, about half of patients with basal cell carcinoma will respond to the drug, which is part of a class of drug compounds called Smoothened inhibitors. However, 20% of these patients will quickly develop resistance to vismodegib. The researchers found that basal cell carcinomas are unusually dependent on the inappropriate activation of the Hedgehog pathway, a cellular signalling cascade. Two classes of mutations in the Smoothened gene, which is found in the Hedgehog pathway, reportedly inhibit vismodegib's effectiveness by keeping the Smoothened protein active.
In light of this finding, the research team has stated that treatment for skin cancer tumors that are vismodegib-resistant may be made more effective by blocking signalling along the Hedgehog pathway, specifically the Smoothened inhibitors, called Gli antagonists. The researchers say that this could lead to better combination therapies even before treatment begins. However, new treatment for skin cancer may not be the only benefit of this research: the Hedgehog pathway has also been found to be abnormally active in pancreatic, colon, lung, breast and other types of cancers, including a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma.
How to Prepare for a Skin Cancer Examination
While dermatologists are known for prescribing acne treatment products and treating cosmetic concerns, many patients make an appointment at their local dermatologist clinics for more serious reasons. With one in five Americans developing skin cancer over the course of their lives, it is extremely important you take steps to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and detect any worrying signs as early as possible. But how should you prepare for an appointment with dermatology and skin cancer specialists? How should you proceed at the exam itself? To make skin examinations as effective as possible, dermatology and skin cancer specialists recommend following a few simple steps to increase your doctor's ability to notice potential symptoms. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your next appointment.
Before the Appointment
While it is important to schedule regular skin examinations with a dermatologist, including full skin maps for people with a high risk of melanoma, it is also important to perform frequent self-exams. If you notice any worrying signs during these self-checks, including bleeding, changing or new growths, make a note of the location and contact your dermatologist. But whether you're going in to have a specific area checked or just a regular examination, take a moment to remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails before you leave: skin cancer can form in the nail bed, and your dermatologist will want to check this area.
At the Appointment
The length of your appointment will likely depend on the number of moles you have: if you have never had an atypical mole, the exam could take as little as 10 minutes. However, the more moles you have, the longer the appointment will take, as a high number of these marks signifies a higher risk of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. While melanoma is highly curable when it is detected early, advanced melanoma can fatally spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, making self-exams and appointments with dermatology and skin cancer specialists extremely important. If you don't know how to conduct a self-exam or have other questions, ask your doctor during the appointment. Additionally, don't forget to direct their attention to any worrying changes you may have noticed. Your doctor will usually order a biopsy if there is anything to be concerned about.
In Between Exams
More than three and a half million nonmelanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in over two million Americans every year. For this reason, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of joining the crowd: make sure you wear sunscreen and eye protection year-round, avoid tanning and sunburn, and pay attention to local weather conditions and skin cancer risk factors. This is especially true when it comes to identifying cancerous moles: dermatology and skin cancer specialists often report that patients are worried about itchy moles or raised moles. However, while itching can be a sign of skin cancer, it is important to check that the mark is not simply irritated by clothing. Likewise, raised moles should be checked regularly, but are no more inherently dangerous than other marks on your skin.
Do you have questions about your skin cancer risk or need help checking for signs of this common condition? Contact dermatology and skin cancer specialists in your area for assistance.
The Skin Cancer Treatment Options You Should Know About
Skin cancers are more common than you might think; about one in five Americans develops skin cancer at some point during their lives, and more than 3.5 million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, affecting more than 2 million people. This means you should ask a dermatologist about any growths on skin anywhere on your body, and perform regular self exams to screen for abnormalities. However, you shouldn’t panic even if you do find something; if used early, most skin cancer treatment options are highly effective. Even the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma, is highly curable if detected in its early stages (it’s when advanced melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes and internal organs that it is far more likely to result in death).
If a dermatologist does discover that you have a cancerous skin growth, there are several skin cancer treatment options you might consider. Of course, you should discuss any treatment plan with your doctor, but here are some brief explanations to aid you in your research:
- Curette Scraping
This treatment for skin cancer is minimally invasive, as the tissue in question is simply scraped off using a tool called a curette. The area is then cauterized and allowed to heal. - Nitrogen Freezing
Liquid nitrogen can be used to actually freeze off skin growths. If you’re having trouble imagining how that works, remember than similar treatments are used to remove warts and other skin growths. - Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is used in the relatively rare occurrences when skin cancer spreads beyond the initial site on the skin. This can happen with basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, but is far more common in cases of melanoma. Regardless, the tumor is fully removed, as well as a small amount of surrounding tissue. - Radiation Therapy
This is a good treatment option for many patients, but it’s also frequently misunderstood. Radiation treatment for skin cancer is sometimes confused by patients with chemotherapy. The latter is used to treat internal cancers (usually in the medium of a pill or intravenous drug), while the former is a completely external and non-invasive treatment. Electron beam radiation therapy can be used across multiple sessions to remove skin abnormalities, but is far less likely to leave scarring that other options. That makes it a good choice for highly visible areas such as the face or chest. And since it can be highly effective (up to 98%), patients have both clinical and cosmetic reasons to consider it.
Do you have any other questions about skin cancer treatment options? Ask or share your own experiences in the comments.