Summer Sun Safety

Main Category: Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Also Included In: Dermatology
Article Date: 14 May 2006 - 13:00 PDT

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Fifty years of medical studies show that sun exposure is a primary component in the development of melanoma, the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer, report leading dermatologists in the April 2006 issue of Dermatology Surgery.

"Though genetics may play a role in the development of some melanomas, there's overwhelming evidence that shows sun exposure adversely affects patients both with and without genetic predisposition to melanoma," said Elisabeth K. Shim, M.D., an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Keck USC Medical School of Medicine in Los Angeles, CA.

It's not clear what pattern of sun exposure causes melanoma or whether it's short, intense intermittent or cumulative. Further more, it's not clear if ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, or both are responsible for causing melanoma. "Regardless, the sun acts as an initiating and promoting agent in causing melanoma, and causes immunosuppression," noted Dr. Shim.

With summer quickly approaching, it's necessary to protect yourself by using sunscreen and sun protective measures to prevent melanoma, and other skin cancers, despite current controversy.

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This study is published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery.

About the journal Dermatologic Surgery
Exclusively devoted to dermatologic surgery, Dermatologic Surgery publishes the most clinically comprehensive and up-to-date information in its field. This unique monthly journal provides today's most expansive and in-depth coverage of skin surgery and skin cancer, through peer-reviewed original articles, extensive illustrations, case reports, ongoing features, literature reviews, meeting coverage, and correspondence.

About the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Founded in 1970, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization in the world exclusively representing dermasurgeons, board-certified physicians who are specifically trained to treat the health, function and appearance of the skin and soft tissue with both medically necessary and cosmetic procedures. For more information on medical or cosmetic skin procedures visit http://www.asds.net/.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 665 academic, medical, and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and, to date, has published close to 6,000 text and reference books, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.

Contact: Heather Noonan
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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