Surgical technique offers high skin cancer cure rate, low tissue loss

Using the Mohs technique, dermatologic surgeons can remove skin tumors down to the "roots" while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery not only gives you the highest possible cure rate, but it also allows you to restrict the size of the excision to the smallest possible hole. Because dermatologists receive extensive training in pathology, they are able to detect whether the entire lesion has been removed. More patients are opting for Mohs surgery, particularly for cancers on the head and neck where tissue preservation and cosmetic outcome is of utmost importance.

"Skin cancer wait times risk lives"

The results of a new study comparing skin cancers treated in Ottawa compared to Houston Texas was reported today in the Ottawa Sun. Skin cancers in Canada were three times larger than in Texas and required much more extensive reconstructive surgery after the tumors were removed. Do you have access to the best skin cancer treatment? Read more here:

http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/06/11/skin-cancer-wait-times-endangering-lives

Wrinkles might be linked to bone density in post-menopausal women

A new study performed at Yale University suggests an association between wrinkles and bone density. Researchers examined the faces and necks of 114 post-menopausal women and compared them to bone mass and density from X-ray and ultrasound measurements. The results, presented at the Endocrine Society Meeting this week, showed that worse wrinkles were associated with a lower bone density score. In addition, rigid skin was associated with a higher bone density.

Dermatologists see merit in DNA-repair enzymes

Breakthroughs with DNA-repair enzymes and sun damaged skin have recently been reported. Makers of certain sunscreens and cosmetic creams are adding these enzymes to their products to repair DNA damaged skin cells. If skin has been damaged due to sun or environmental exposure, certain enzymes have been proven to heal and protect this type of damaged skin. With enzymes now able to repair sun damaged skin, sun screen may not only reflect damaging rays but also rejuvenate the skin.

New Publication on Skin Cancer in Canada

Congratulations to Dr. Mamelak for his recent publication demonstrating the burden of skin cancer in Ottawa, Ontario. According to the study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the skin cancers treated in Ottawa are 3 times the size as those treated in Houston, Texas. Despite our long winters, Canadians need to remember that they are just as susceptible to the sun and harmful UV damage compared to our U.S. neighbors. This study suggests that they might be better able to handle these cancers than we are. It's time to develop more Mohs surgery facilities in Ontario and fight this rising skin cancer epidemic head on.

Are the best treatments available for your skin cancer?

The rate of Mohs surgeries billed to Medicare in the United States for non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, increased by 236% between 1999 and 2009, doubling between 2001 and 2006. The rate of excisions during the same periods also increased but less dramatically. As a cost-effective, outpatient procedure, Mohs surgery is recognized for its exceedingly high cure rates of over 99%, ability to produce superior cosmetic results while sparing healthy tissue in the process. There are only 2 clinics in all of Ontario that offer Mohs surgery. If this is the best treatment for skin cancer, why isn't it available in your region of the province?

Men may hesitate to discuss skin care

"Many men are not comfortable discussing skin care, and dermatologists may need to initiate the conversation with their male patients," says Dr. Miriam Hanson. Men tend to prefer simple, effective skin care regimens and often follow recommendations better if they understand how products such as moisturizers and sunscreens work. "I always try to explain the nature of the skin problem, the goal of any therapy, and the mechanism by which a treatment will get there to all my patients."

Outdoor Workers May Have Increased Risk For Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

According to a new study published online in the British Journal of Dermatology, outdoor workers have a significantly increased risk for developing skin cancer compared with indoor workers. In a meta-analysis involving data from some 23 studies, researchers discovered a 40% increased risk for outdoor workers to develop basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, compared with indoor workers. What's more, the analysis showed that the farther away from the equator one lived and the less UV-light exposure one received, there was a decreased risk in developing basal cell carcinoma.

Are you at risk for skin cancer?

Just a few minutes of exposure to UV rays over the course of time can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your skin, as well as your overall health. Research has shown that overexposure to UV radiation (UVR) results in rough spots called actinic keratoses, which may be precancerous skin lesions, as well as premature aging, which causes the skin to become thick, wrinkled, and leathery.

Sunscreens do not cause cancer

The American Academy of Dermatology published a press release on May 23 indicating that, despite recent concerns from in vitro (test tube) studies and one unpublished report using mice, there is no evidence to suggest that retinyl palmitate, a Vitamin A-compound found in many suncreens, increases the risk of skin cancer in patients. Retinyl palmitate is not an active drug ingredient in sunscreen; however it is used for cosmetic purposes as an antioxidant to improve product performance against the aging effects of UV exposure, and/or to enhance product aesthetic qualities. Read more here:

http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/sunscreens-remain-safe-effective-form-of-sun-protection