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According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009, there was an estimated 68,720 new cases of melanoma – the type of skin cancer that accounts for the most deaths. While skin cancer is highly preventable, clinicians and patients must keep abreast of changes in the ways which sunscreens are evaluated, along with new preventative measures.
1. Sunscreens protect against damage to the skin, however SPF is a poor indicator of how well a sunscreen protects against UVA-induced DNA damage. Protective clothing should always be worn to avoid UV radiation. 2. Dietary factors can sometimes influence the incidence of skin cancer. This being that certain antioxidants have revealed a decrease in sunburn cells, proliferating epidermal cells, and dermal mast cell infiltration. Sunburn cells are evidence of damaged DNA, proliferating epidermal cells are predisposing factors for skin cancer, and dermal mast cell infiltration occurs as a result of photo-aging. 3. Enzymatic therapy has been on the rise. DNA repair enzyme creams introduce DNA repair enzymes onto the skin through topical application. DNA repair cream is able to increase the amount of epidermal melanin. Sunscreen is currently the only agent with a well-established role in skin cancer prevention. DNA repair creams may be of benefit in the future, however, annual skin examinations, avoiding solar radiation during peak sunlight hours, and patient counseling on the proper use of sunscreens remain the essential weapons in the fight against skin cancer. To schedule a skin cancer screening appointment, please call 310.274.5372. From the article, “Skin Cancer Prevention: Current Modalities and Future Implications” by Telia DeBoyes, David M Ozog, MD, and Ronald L. Moy, MD. |
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