Skin Cancer

Thank you for your question and for taking a proactive apporach! A study published in the Archives of Dermatology reported the lack of protection against UVA-1 in daily moisturizers that contain sunscreen. The authors report that protection against UVA-1 was considered adequate if at least one of the following criteria was met: 1) a combination of avobenzone (>2%) and octocrylene (>3.6%) with or without ecamsule (2%); 2) the presence of zinc oxide (>5%).

For the first time, the federal Food and Drug Administration will require sunscreen makers to prove their product effectively protects against both forms of dangerous ultraviolet rays before they can claim to protect against skin cancer and wrinkles, as well as sunburn.

Starting next summer, consumers will want to look for sunscreens with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15 that also is labeled "broad spectrum."

To get that label, sunscreens will have to pass tests showing they protect against not only ultraviolet B (UVB) rays but also the more penetrating ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which can penetrate glass and pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Current standards apply only to one part of the sun's spectrum, the UVB rays, which cause sunburn. That's what the familiar SPF is based on.

Starting next summer, sunscreens with an SPF of less than 15 or that don't say "broad spectrum" on the packaging will have to carry a warning label: "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

I blogged about this question in the recent past. Please see the post dated from 11/16/2010 under the Skin Care headline for further information. A recent study from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies just published an update to the dietary reference intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. For further information, please visit the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies website at http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D.aspx

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

A recent paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed some preliminary research suggesting that the painkiller celecoxib (Celebrex) may help prevent nonmelanoma skin cancers. the researchers cautioned that the results should be considered preliminary. Of note, the FDA stopped the study earlier than planned because another study found an increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with rofecoxib (Vioxx), a medication from the same class as celecoxib. While there may be some benefit to celcoxib in reducing nonmelanoma skin cancers, further studies are needed to elaborate upon this benefit and determine if there is a risk of cardiovascular events when using celecoxib.

Posted by Rami K. Batniji, M.D., F.A.C.S.

According to a recent study, the incidence of skin cancer may reach "epidemic" proportion. The study was published in the March 2010 issue of Archives of Dermatology. We recommend sun protection with a proper sunblock and re-application of the sunblock approximately every 2 hours while in the sun. Look for any skin lesions that may have changed color, shape, and/or have irregular borders. If you are ever concerned about a lesion on the face, call us for an appointment for further evaluation.

New research by Danish scientists suggests that chances are, the younger you look, the longer you'll live. A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark studied photographs of 1,826 Danish twins and rated the perceived age by looking at pictures of the subjects' faces. The researchers found that perceived age was significantly associated with survival and life span. The research was started in 2001 and completed last year. The findings are published in this month's British Medical Journal (click here for the full manuscript). We know that factors like smoking and sun exposure have deleterious effects on the skin and contribute to the aging process. Therefore, skin care is very important to not only reverse the signs of aging but also prevent further damage to the skin (for our recommended skin care products, click here). Healthy living also contributes to a more youthful appearance; this includes consistent exercise and a well balanced diet. Finally, there are genetic factors too. Most notably, the length of the telomeres (pieces of DNA that indicate the cell's ability to replicate) is believed to have a direct correlation to both physical health and appearance. Research has shown that shorter telomeres are linked to faster aging.