By Dr. Anne Marie Tremaine
I know that I sound like a broken record, but I am always looking for a reason to discuss skin cancer prevention. It is time for a refresher for all my sun loving
Floridians because skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and the world.
First, I want to review the most common types of skin cancer. Approximately 95 percent of skin cancers in the U.S. are non-melanoma skin cancers: basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. These two cancers make up most of what I see in my practice. Unfortunately, it seems that melanoma, a more dangerous skin cancer is on the rise. Melanoma can be aggressive and deadly. On average, one person dies from melanoma every hour! Melanomas often resemble moles (most are black or brown) and can develop on their own or from a changing existing mole.
Skin cancer, when recognized early, is almost always curable. If left untreated, skin cancers can rapidly grow, spread to other areas of the body, and become fatal.
Therefore, regular skin exam screenings are incredibly important. I also recommend intermittent self-skin exams (and scan your partner) to assess for new or changing lesions. Prevention and early detection are key!
Let’s talk more about prevention, specifically sun safety. Most skin cancers are caused by excessive intense ultraviolet sun exposure. Below are some important tips for sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
• Seek the shade, especially between the peak hours of sun exposure (10 AM and 4 PM)
• Cover up with SPF clothing, wide brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day! For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating
• Avoid tanning beds, as this UV exposure is even more dangerous than natural light
Anne Marie Tremaine, MD
Board Certified Dermatolgist
Harvard Cosmetic and Laser Medicine Fellowship
Dr. Tremaine is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training at Harvard Medical School in laser and cosmetic dermatology. She has contributed as a dermatology expert for online and print magazines including Family Fun, msn.com, menshealth.com, and ccn.com. In addition, she frequently lectures to professional societies on her diverse research. For more information about skin care, visit the Skin Wellness Physicians website at: www.skinwellnessflorida.com