D uring this month — which you’re probably aware is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Awareness Month — your patients are sure to get a heavy dose of information about how to prevent skin cancer. How can you help them soak up these potentially life-saving facts? New study results and other information presented by dermatologists at an April news conference, held by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in New York City, offer insight. Here’s a look at what the presenters had to say. School Kids and Sun Exposure A new study presented at the conference followed four high school students during May 2001 to discover just how much sun exposure they were receiving. Conducted by Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., the students wore a personal digital ultraviolet B dosimeter to measure UVB radiation exposure during normal school activities. The study did not include time spent outdoors for playing outdoor sports. According to Dr. Rigel, the research indicated that high school students are regularly exposed to enough UV to potentially burn fair-skinned students. “What we found is that UVB exposure levels that were measured during the regular daily activities of these high school students could cause sunburn in some students,” says Dr. Rigel. More than likely, your patients have heard how damaging the sun can be but have ignored the warnings. Getting the message out to them remains the most effective tool to drive down these alarming statistics. Taking on the Tanning Bed Salons You already know the dangers that devotees of the “fake bake” are exposed to. Yet, people have been misinformed by the tanning industry, which continues to promote myths such as “no danger in exposure and burning” and “tan year-round without the effects of natural sunlight,” according to dermatologist Shelley Sekula Rodriguez, M.D., who presented information about the damage indoor tanning inflicts. You might want to remind your patients that what the tanning industry calls “safe bulbs” emit two to three times more UVB and UVA radiation than sunlight, says Dr. Sekula Rodriguez. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez also reiterated the need for better legislation of indoor tanning facilities. Federal legislation against the tanning industry remains limited. In Dr. Sekula Rodriguez’s home state of Texas, state legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 13 to use indoor tanning salons. A parent must escort persons 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 year olds require a note from parents. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez hopes Texas will serve as a model for other states to draft such legislation. At a minimum, indoor tanning facilities should adhere to the following requirements, which are supported by the AAD: • A warning statement defining potential hazards and consequences of exposure to UVA signed by every patron. • No minor should be permitted to use a tanning bed without written consent of a guardian or parent. • No facility or person should advertise the use of any UVA/UVB tanning device with wording such as “safe,” “safe tanning,” “no harmful rays,” “no adverse effect.” Changing Attitudes and Beliefs Unless attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about sun exposure drastically change, by 2022, melanomas will be more common than other cancers such as bladder, breast and colon cancers. Obviously, it takes a lot to change people’s perceptions, but you have to start somewhere. According to data presented by Mark Naylor, M.D., it will be a long road to travel to make people aware of the dangers of sun exposure. According to Dr. Naylor, although 95% of respondents noted that sunburns are a health risk for teens and children and 93% believed too much sun exposure was unhealthy, 81% still maintain they look good after being out in the sun. Dr. Naylor further broke down this study, revealing that those respondents younger than age 25 were less cautious about risks related to the sun. Of this group, 49% suffered a sunburn within the past year, compared to 21% of respondents over age 25. Dr. Naylor said that our society is to blame for reiterating the negative messages and warned against people believing they look better with a tan due to the “young and beautiful” message society sends. Dr. Naylor says to reiterate to your patients that they should use sunscreen to protect against a tan — not just to protect against sunburn. Should We Follow Australia’s Example? Maybe the Aussie’s are the example to follow. Drs. Sekula Rodriguez, Naylor and Rigel praised the efforts of the Australian government in its crusade against skin cancer and melanoma deaths. Australia leads the world in the number of skin cancer and melanoma cases diagnosed each year. To combat its continent’s epidemic, governments in Australia have taken the following actions: • They’ve banned the use of tan models in magazines. • School-aged children are required to wear hats and sunscreen when outside during school hours. • Australia’s clothing manufactures have joined the crusade against skin cancer, developing lightweight breathable, long sleeve shirts for people participating in outdoor activities. This special type of clothing features breathable “vents” on the underside of the material. A movement is growing among members of the AAD to take such steps in the States. While dermatologists have already presented potential laws such as banning tan models in magazines, no legislation has been passed so far. Members at the recent conference are hopeful that in the years to come, our country will follow what Australia has done to protect their children and curb the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma.
The Latest Word
D uring this month — which you’re probably aware is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Awareness Month — your patients are sure to get a heavy dose of information about how to prevent skin cancer. How can you help them soak up these potentially life-saving facts? New study results and other information presented by dermatologists at an April news conference, held by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in New York City, offer insight. Here’s a look at what the presenters had to say. School Kids and Sun Exposure A new study presented at the conference followed four high school students during May 2001 to discover just how much sun exposure they were receiving. Conducted by Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., the students wore a personal digital ultraviolet B dosimeter to measure UVB radiation exposure during normal school activities. The study did not include time spent outdoors for playing outdoor sports. According to Dr. Rigel, the research indicated that high school students are regularly exposed to enough UV to potentially burn fair-skinned students. “What we found is that UVB exposure levels that were measured during the regular daily activities of these high school students could cause sunburn in some students,” says Dr. Rigel. More than likely, your patients have heard how damaging the sun can be but have ignored the warnings. Getting the message out to them remains the most effective tool to drive down these alarming statistics. Taking on the Tanning Bed Salons You already know the dangers that devotees of the “fake bake” are exposed to. Yet, people have been misinformed by the tanning industry, which continues to promote myths such as “no danger in exposure and burning” and “tan year-round without the effects of natural sunlight,” according to dermatologist Shelley Sekula Rodriguez, M.D., who presented information about the damage indoor tanning inflicts. You might want to remind your patients that what the tanning industry calls “safe bulbs” emit two to three times more UVB and UVA radiation than sunlight, says Dr. Sekula Rodriguez. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez also reiterated the need for better legislation of indoor tanning facilities. Federal legislation against the tanning industry remains limited. In Dr. Sekula Rodriguez’s home state of Texas, state legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 13 to use indoor tanning salons. A parent must escort persons 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 year olds require a note from parents. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez hopes Texas will serve as a model for other states to draft such legislation. At a minimum, indoor tanning facilities should adhere to the following requirements, which are supported by the AAD: • A warning statement defining potential hazards and consequences of exposure to UVA signed by every patron. • No minor should be permitted to use a tanning bed without written consent of a guardian or parent. • No facility or person should advertise the use of any UVA/UVB tanning device with wording such as “safe,” “safe tanning,” “no harmful rays,” “no adverse effect.” Changing Attitudes and Beliefs Unless attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about sun exposure drastically change, by 2022, melanomas will be more common than other cancers such as bladder, breast and colon cancers. Obviously, it takes a lot to change people’s perceptions, but you have to start somewhere. According to data presented by Mark Naylor, M.D., it will be a long road to travel to make people aware of the dangers of sun exposure. According to Dr. Naylor, although 95% of respondents noted that sunburns are a health risk for teens and children and 93% believed too much sun exposure was unhealthy, 81% still maintain they look good after being out in the sun. Dr. Naylor further broke down this study, revealing that those respondents younger than age 25 were less cautious about risks related to the sun. Of this group, 49% suffered a sunburn within the past year, compared to 21% of respondents over age 25. Dr. Naylor said that our society is to blame for reiterating the negative messages and warned against people believing they look better with a tan due to the “young and beautiful” message society sends. Dr. Naylor says to reiterate to your patients that they should use sunscreen to protect against a tan — not just to protect against sunburn. Should We Follow Australia’s Example? Maybe the Aussie’s are the example to follow. Drs. Sekula Rodriguez, Naylor and Rigel praised the efforts of the Australian government in its crusade against skin cancer and melanoma deaths. Australia leads the world in the number of skin cancer and melanoma cases diagnosed each year. To combat its continent’s epidemic, governments in Australia have taken the following actions: • They’ve banned the use of tan models in magazines. • School-aged children are required to wear hats and sunscreen when outside during school hours. • Australia’s clothing manufactures have joined the crusade against skin cancer, developing lightweight breathable, long sleeve shirts for people participating in outdoor activities. This special type of clothing features breathable “vents” on the underside of the material. A movement is growing among members of the AAD to take such steps in the States. While dermatologists have already presented potential laws such as banning tan models in magazines, no legislation has been passed so far. Members at the recent conference are hopeful that in the years to come, our country will follow what Australia has done to protect their children and curb the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma.
D uring this month — which you’re probably aware is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Awareness Month — your patients are sure to get a heavy dose of information about how to prevent skin cancer. How can you help them soak up these potentially life-saving facts? New study results and other information presented by dermatologists at an April news conference, held by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in New York City, offer insight. Here’s a look at what the presenters had to say. School Kids and Sun Exposure A new study presented at the conference followed four high school students during May 2001 to discover just how much sun exposure they were receiving. Conducted by Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., the students wore a personal digital ultraviolet B dosimeter to measure UVB radiation exposure during normal school activities. The study did not include time spent outdoors for playing outdoor sports. According to Dr. Rigel, the research indicated that high school students are regularly exposed to enough UV to potentially burn fair-skinned students. “What we found is that UVB exposure levels that were measured during the regular daily activities of these high school students could cause sunburn in some students,” says Dr. Rigel. More than likely, your patients have heard how damaging the sun can be but have ignored the warnings. Getting the message out to them remains the most effective tool to drive down these alarming statistics. Taking on the Tanning Bed Salons You already know the dangers that devotees of the “fake bake” are exposed to. Yet, people have been misinformed by the tanning industry, which continues to promote myths such as “no danger in exposure and burning” and “tan year-round without the effects of natural sunlight,” according to dermatologist Shelley Sekula Rodriguez, M.D., who presented information about the damage indoor tanning inflicts. You might want to remind your patients that what the tanning industry calls “safe bulbs” emit two to three times more UVB and UVA radiation than sunlight, says Dr. Sekula Rodriguez. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez also reiterated the need for better legislation of indoor tanning facilities. Federal legislation against the tanning industry remains limited. In Dr. Sekula Rodriguez’s home state of Texas, state legislation prohibits anyone under the age of 13 to use indoor tanning salons. A parent must escort persons 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 year olds require a note from parents. Dr. Sekula Rodriguez hopes Texas will serve as a model for other states to draft such legislation. At a minimum, indoor tanning facilities should adhere to the following requirements, which are supported by the AAD: • A warning statement defining potential hazards and consequences of exposure to UVA signed by every patron. • No minor should be permitted to use a tanning bed without written consent of a guardian or parent. • No facility or person should advertise the use of any UVA/UVB tanning device with wording such as “safe,” “safe tanning,” “no harmful rays,” “no adverse effect.” Changing Attitudes and Beliefs Unless attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about sun exposure drastically change, by 2022, melanomas will be more common than other cancers such as bladder, breast and colon cancers. Obviously, it takes a lot to change people’s perceptions, but you have to start somewhere. According to data presented by Mark Naylor, M.D., it will be a long road to travel to make people aware of the dangers of sun exposure. According to Dr. Naylor, although 95% of respondents noted that sunburns are a health risk for teens and children and 93% believed too much sun exposure was unhealthy, 81% still maintain they look good after being out in the sun. Dr. Naylor further broke down this study, revealing that those respondents younger than age 25 were less cautious about risks related to the sun. Of this group, 49% suffered a sunburn within the past year, compared to 21% of respondents over age 25. Dr. Naylor said that our society is to blame for reiterating the negative messages and warned against people believing they look better with a tan due to the “young and beautiful” message society sends. Dr. Naylor says to reiterate to your patients that they should use sunscreen to protect against a tan — not just to protect against sunburn. Should We Follow Australia’s Example? Maybe the Aussie’s are the example to follow. Drs. Sekula Rodriguez, Naylor and Rigel praised the efforts of the Australian government in its crusade against skin cancer and melanoma deaths. Australia leads the world in the number of skin cancer and melanoma cases diagnosed each year. To combat its continent’s epidemic, governments in Australia have taken the following actions: • They’ve banned the use of tan models in magazines. • School-aged children are required to wear hats and sunscreen when outside during school hours. • Australia’s clothing manufactures have joined the crusade against skin cancer, developing lightweight breathable, long sleeve shirts for people participating in outdoor activities. This special type of clothing features breathable “vents” on the underside of the material. A movement is growing among members of the AAD to take such steps in the States. While dermatologists have already presented potential laws such as banning tan models in magazines, no legislation has been passed so far. Members at the recent conference are hopeful that in the years to come, our country will follow what Australia has done to protect their children and curb the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma.
