NNMC Experts Encourage Skin Care, Cancer Awareness

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Wilson, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

May 15, 2010 - BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Dermatologists at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) are stressing the importance skin care and NNMC dermatologists are screening patients to identify potential signs of skin cancer.

A study released in 2006 by the Archives of Dermatology cited that every year, more than two million people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer, a 350 percent increase from surveys taken in 1994.

"This is a good thing to focus on with the summer months approaching," said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Bingham, department head of Dermatology at NNMC. "Skin cancer is now an epidemic."

There are more new cases annually than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon, according to the study. Also, people who have non melanoma skin cancer have twice the risk of developing other malignancies.

To assist individuals in remembering which signs to look for, Bingham suggests using the acronym ABCDE. Individuals should look to see if the mark is (A) asymmetrical, has a (B) border irregularity, is (C) discolored, is more than 6-millimeters in (D) diameter, or if the (E) evolution of the spot is changing, Bingham said.

"If you see a lesion, immediately see your doctor," he said.

Most skin cancers are not life threatening but about half of the reported skin cancers are dangerous and malignant, in the form of melanoma, Bingham said. Benign skin cancer comes in the form of basal and squamous cell carcinogens and also has the potential to spread to other parts of the body on nerve cells, causing other severe damage.

"Melanoma is very dangerous and only half of [skin cancer spots] are on exposed skin," Bingham said. "The other locations are often the buttocks, legs and trunk."

Some people are genetically predisposed to skin cancer, Bingham said.

"With a family history, chances of skin cancer increase between 5 and 10 percent," Bingham said.

With increased education, people are recognizing the dangers more often. People can also expose themselves to additional risks by engaging in dangerous behaviors such as tanning beds.

On March 25, the General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medical Devices Advisory Committee met and unanimously recommended that the FDA upgrade its classification of tanning devices to compensate for the current lack of national tanning bed regulations.

"Tanning beds are now considered a carcinogen," Bingham said.

NNMC treats approximately 2,500 cases of skin cancer every year, but there are steps to help prevent the effects of cancer. When outside, a sunscreen of SPF 15 or more should be applied, Bingham said.

When exercising, a SPF of at least 30 or more should be used. Try to avoid peak hours of sun, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and wear protective clothing. Skin cancer is treatable when caught early, according to the report, but also has a high rate of recurrence.

Consult your dermatologist if you have any concern, Bingham said. At NNMC, service members can call the Dermatology department at 301-295-4551.