Skin cancer is on the rise Skin cancer is becoming an epidemic in this country. There will be more cases of skin cancer diagnosed this year than all other cancers com-bined. While most cancers are decreasing, melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, continues to become increasingly common. In fact melanoma is the most common form of cancer for 25- to 29-year-olds. In our practice we see an increasing number of skin cancers in patients of all ages. While we enjoy a great climate and lovely beaches, it is important to remember that you can decrease your chance of developing skin cancer with a few of easy steps. Protect your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater on a daily basis and reap-ply every two hours. Also look for protective clothing, sunglasses and hats, which are now very fashionable, and try to avoid the sun during midday or try to seek shade. Make sure to avoid tanning beds, which are known to increase your risk of developing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinomas. In most cases, skin cancer is curable when detected early. Those patients at high risk, including people with lots of freckles or moles, a family history of mela-noma, or even one sunburn before the age of 18, should have a yearly skin check with a dermatologist. A skin check is noninvasive and takes only minutes to perform and it may just save your life — Rosalyn George, MD, FAAD, Wilmington Dermatology Center 26 WBM may 2014 “I am so incredibly grateful that Dr. Rosalyn George helped diagnose my skin cancer early in 2012. I haven’t tried tanning in years and yet there it was. This experience proved to me just how important it is to keep your dermatologist —Jess James (Fashion Editor/Stylist) “I am forever grateful for WDC and Rosalyn George for detecting my melanoma and saving my life! Early detection is so important. I never thought I would get melanoma, especially at such a young age. I appointment every year.” highly recommend that everyone gets tested, no matter how much time you’ve spent in the sun and how old you are.” —Claire Hosmann (WECT news reporter 2008-12) Special Advertising Section Dr. Rosalyn George | Special Advertising Section |
Wrightsville Beach Magazine May 2014
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