May is skin cancer detection and prevention month, as made official by the American Cancer Society. Earlier in the week, we discussed Melanoma Monday and why it’s so important. Although Melanoma is the most serious and the most lethal, it is not the only type of skin cancer there is. Skin cancer all together, makes up over 50% of all cancer diagnosis and is the most common form of cancer in the US.

The other types of skin cancer include Basal Cell Skin Cancer and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer. Basal Skin Cancer can be found in places that have been directly exposed to the sun; the face is most common. Squamous skin cancer is the most common skin cancer for people with dark skin and is found on legs or feet and other areas not usually in the sun. While Melanoma in men is found in the head, neck, shoulders, and hips; and on the lower legs, shoulders, and hips in women. In people with darker skin, Melanoma is found under fingernails, under toenails, palms of hands, and the soles of feet. Basal Skin Cancer is most common in people with fair skin and is overall the most common type of skin cancer in the US.

In relation to prevention, Huffington Post released an article about the new restrictions on tanning beds. As of recently, the FDA recommends that indoor tanning machines are not used by minors under the age of 18. “Sunbeds” have been re-classified to moderate-risk. As mentioned in a previous post, the UK is one step ahead of the US, prohibiting the use of tanning beds by minors and issuing fines to any tanning salon that violates this law.

A lot of people have that “invincible” mindset and think that it will never happen to them. However, statistics from the Mercy Memorial Hospital System show that every hour, one person dies from skin cancer and 90% of these cases are caused by overexposure to the sun. As far as detection and prevention, paying attention to visible growths or new moles and visiting a doctor regularly can help detect early stages of skin cancer. Proper sun protection and proper knowledge of skin cancer can also help you avoid the disease.

In addition, Medical Conferences International Inc., offers physicians Skin Cancer Medicine and Advanced Skin Cancer Certification courses. The next opportunities to participate are:

June 28-29 at Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare, Chicago, IL

US Skin Cancer- PCSCM- Skin Cancer Medicine Certification
August 16-17 at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA

US Skin Cancer- PCSCM Skin Cancer Medicine

US Skin Cancer- PCSCS- Skin Cancer Surgery Certification

For more information, visit http://skincancercourses.com/us/index.htm.

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) are excited to announce they  are now on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WordPress, and YouTube.  The addition of these social platforms, together with an existing YouTube channel, will enhance an online presence, and create the opportunity for  customers, partners and employees to build a unique community of powerful industry professionals.

The social media sites have been created to provide healthcare practitioners  with current information and resources. Not only will there be news and updates, but technical articles, advanced webinars hosted by scientific faculty, industry specific case studies and practical tips on anti-aging, functional and regenerative medicine management.

“Our continued goal is to make relevant information about current healthcare initiatives as well as our products and services, easily and quickly available to our clients daily.  The addition of social media gives us the opportunity to engage with new visitors and our current clients on a more personal level.  The benefits of our new social media platforms provide us with more ways to stay connected,” Amy Paoletti, Director of Marketing for A4M, said.

To stay up to date with the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and follow us on these sites:

https://www.facebook.com/a4mconferences

https://twitter.com/A4MEvents

http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-american-academy-of-anti-aging-medicine-a4m-?trk=hb_tab_compy_id_2985194

http://a4mblog.wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/A4MEvents

Most people will remember being nagged by their parents to put on sunscreen at the pool, or the beach, or at the soccer game throughout their childhood. However, statistics such as “one in five people will be diagnosed with Melanoma in their lifetime,” probably makes that nagging seem a little more legitimate and appreciated. Today, Monday May 6, 2013 is “Melanoma Monday,” as recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The organization has been asking people to wear orange clothing today to raise awareness for Melanoma.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. When the skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet light, Melanocyte cells grow abnormally, and appear in the form of a mole. Melanoma can be detected by simply paying attention to any new growths that may develop on your body, or one can undergo a skin cancer check by visiting a dermatologist annually, which is recommended.

Separate from the AAD, is the website MelanomaMonday.com. This site includes statistics informing readers that Melanoma is not just a disease widely affecting Americans, but people all over the world. The United Kingdom has established a law prohibiting minors under the age of 18 from using tanning beds. Tanning salons who violate this law are fined an equivalent of 33,000 American dollars. Other facts include the use of tanning beds before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing Melanoma by 75%.

It seems obvious that doctors and scientists would be publishing statistics and warning people about Melanoma, asking them to protect themselves but what about one of the world’s most popular fashion magazines? Although it is next month, Glamour magazine has named June their “Skin Cancer Issue,” educating readers on how to get amazing skin and how to take care of it. The magazine’s website offers a slideshow entitled the “Two Minute Cancer Check Test,” with several pictures of different looking moles associated with different types of skin cancer and how to detect them.

The purpose of Melanoma Monday and general skin cancer awareness is to do just that- make people aware, not scare them into staying indoors and avoiding fun in the sun. West Palm Beach’s Fox 29, WFLX.com published an article suggesting how to stay safe in the sun. Applying sunscreen 15-30 minutes before venturing outdoors, wearing wide brimmed hats and sunglasses in addition to applying a strong SPF, and being aware that clouds and shade don’t completely protect you from strong UV rays, are included. With summer fast approaching it is important to stay informed while you and your family enjoy the season’s sun and heat.

In addition, Medical Conferences International Inc., offers physicians Skin Cancer Medicine and Advanced Skin Cancer Certification courses. The next opportunities to participate are:

June 28-29 at Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare, Chicago, IL
US Skin Cancer- PCSCM- Skin Cancer Medicine Certification

August 16-17 at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA
US Skin Cancer- PCSCM Skin Cancer Medicine
US Skin Cancer- PCSCS- Skin Cancer Surgery Certification

For more information, visit http://skincancercourses.com/us/index.htm.