Tanning Ban in Ontario

The Globe and Mail reported a new movement in Ontario to ban access to tanning salons to teens. Specifically designed to combat the myths spread by the tanning industry that indoor tanning is safer than the sun, the Onartio Medical Association is supporting legislation prohibiting teens under the age of 18 from accessing tanning parlors. These actions are supported by the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Dermatology Association. Read the full story here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/tanning-salon-ban-for-teens-doctors-urge/article1524719/#article

Universal Healthcare

A report last week in the Toronto Sun suggests that Canadian politicians may have better access to cancer treatment than their constituents. According to the Canadian Advocacy Coalition of Canada also notes that politicians may be getting access to cancer treatments that are not publically available. Read the full story here:

www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/3/24/13347821.html

The Cost of Skin Cancer

One of the well recognized risk factors of developming skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. While most of us attribute this to our time at the beach or on the golf course, new claims of occupational exposure have forced officials to examine the true cost of skin cancer in Canadian communities. An article in today's National Post reveals the risks of work-related sun exposure and the implications this may have for future workers' compensation. Read more here:

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2686441

Coming up... Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dr. Mamelak will be attending the Ottawa Hospital Foundation's President's Dinner, with Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital. Learn about the exciting developments at the Ottawa Hospital and how the new Mohs surgery unit is changing the way skin cancer patients are being treated in Ottawa.

New Melanoma Drug Shows Promise

The New York Times reports on the Phase 1 clinical trial results of the new melanoma drug PLX4032. This drug specifically inhibits BRAF, a gene often mutated in advanced melanoma cancer. Read the full story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/research/23trial.html?pagewanted=2&ref=health

Acne Treatment on your iPhone?

Don't like putting on creams? Pills not your thing? A dermatologist has developed a new app for the iPhone that might do the trick. The app makes your phone's screen emit red and blue light that treats your skin while making calls. While studies for this specific device are still in the works, light based devices have been used to treat acne in the past with good success. Read more here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1249426/iPhone-AcneApp-zap-acne-wrinkles-chat-phone.html

Indoor Tanning is Out!

Still convinced there is such a thing as a healthy tan? Have you been told artificial tanning beds are a good source of Vitamin D? The Canadian Dermatology Association has launched their new "Indoor Tanning is Out" campaign this month, designed to educate the public on the real danagers of tanning beds. Learn the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and take care of your skin. Read more here:

www.dermatology.ca/indoortanning/

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/02/02/indoor-tanning-young-women.html

New Publication!

Congratulations to Dr. Adam Mamelak for his recent pulication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In the January 2010 issue, Dr. Mamelak and colleagues report on their study in which they surveyed all of their skin cancer patients to describe the presentation and management of a unique skin tumor, know as a desmoplastic trichoepithelioma.

The perfect gift for the holiday season...

What gift do you really want for the holidays? The Toronto Star reports one of the more popular presents for the 2009 holiday season was a cosmetic rejuvenating procedure. Find the perfect gift for your loved one and read the full story here:

www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/743564--women-are-flocking-to-botox-for-a-little-holiday-pick-me-up

The Skin Cancer Epidemic!

FOX news posted an article on their website discussing common skin disorders, including skin cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is now the most common type of cancer? In the United States, about 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and one in five Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Here in Canada we are seeing the affects of this epidemic as well. Make sure to ask your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and read the full report here:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,580265,00.html