South Shore Skin Center Warns of Increase in Skin Cancer in Young Women

Author: Steve Dubin

Government cancer statistics from the last 31 years that were analyzed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute have shown that the number of younger women with melanoma has increased by 50 percent.

Melanoma is the number one cancer diagnosed in young white females in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer among teens. Early detection is the only way to prevent it from becoming deadly. The New England area has the highest concentration of melanoma cases, partially due to weather patterns of intermittent, intense sunlight which increases residents’ risk.

Dr. Richard Eisen and Dr. Ramzi Saad, dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center attribute the spike in melanoma cases in young women to increased and extended exposure to UV rays, from both the sun and indoor tanning.

“Young women are at the highest risk because of the amount of time they spend tanning, whether outside or indoors. Sunscreen does provide protection, and because of that, many young women increase the amount of time in the sun or at an indoor tanning bed. They really should be using sunscreen and reducing the amount of UV exposure,” explained Dr. Eisen.

Essentially, there are three ways to protect the skin from UV exposure: Seek shade; wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Although sunscreen use has increased over the years, so has the amount of time people purposely spend in UV light, whether it’s from the sun or indoor tanning. According to Drs. Eisen and Saad, Americans depend on sunscreen too much and should utilize the other two methods of protection – seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.

“The general population is very much aware of melanoma nowadays. But, simply using sunscreen without limiting exposure to UV rays is not enough. It’s imperative that young women in particular avoid indoor tanning and limit their UV exposure, or their risk of developing melanoma will remain high,” explained Dr. Saad.

According to Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, Executive Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, “We can reduce melanoma incidence by teaching skin cancer prevention and early detection. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Yet, it is easily recognizable and preventable. By educating young people and their caretakers (parents, nurses and teachers) about limiting exposure to UV rays, we can save lives.”

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center is the only provider in the area offering the advanced technology of Fraxel re:pair laser treatments in addition to Fraxel re:store laser treatments. Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center is a leading expert in lasers, in particular, the Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser systems. Other cosmetic services include Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.

South Shore Skin Center also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

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