Hot Fun in the Summertime
As summer approaches, the beach and sunshine beckon us but don’t forget the sunscreen! Researchers at the Mayo Clinic studying the rise of melanomas (skin cancers) found that during 2000-2010, squamous cell carcinoma (also called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) diagnoses increased 263%, and basal cell carcinomas increased 145%.
They compared the 2000-2010 period to two other segments of time: 1976-1984 and 1985-1992. The study showed that women ages 30-49 experienced the greatest increase in basal cell carcinoma diagnoses; whereas, women ages 40-59 and 70-79 experienced the greatest increase in squamous cell carcinomas. Men had an increase in squamous cell carcinomas between the first and second time period studied (1976-1984 and 1985-1992), but experienced a slight decline in the 2000-2010 period. However, for basal cell carcinomas, men over 29 showed similar increases in diagnoses in the 2000-2010 period then the two earlier periods.[1] [2]
What’s more, there has been a shift in where these cancers appear. They are no longer confined to the head and neck but also appear on the arms and legs and other parts of the torso that’s exposed.
Tips to consider in fighting UVA/UVB rays—aside from wearing a hat and sunglasses, put on your sunscreen (use a minimum SPF of 15 or higher) at least twenty minutes before going outside and replenish every two hours. And don’t be fooled if it’s cloudy outside; UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and even tinted car windows so protect yourself.
Rare Cancer Linked to Breast Implants
A rare form of cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, has been identified in women with a certain type of breast implant and doctors urge women who are experiencing symptoms of breast pain, swelling, fluid build-up or lumps to seek immediate medical attention. Implants with a textured surface not a smooth surface are primarily related to this form of lymphoma. In 85% of the cases identified, the cancer did not spread beyond the tissue around the implant and doctors believe surgery alone can cure it. Often surgeons will remove both implants and scar tissue to avoid a recurrence or spread of the cancer. Routine care and monitoring are the best approaches according to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Women with implants should ask their doctors what type they received.
Gender-Confirmation Surgery on the Rise
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that the number of surgeries done to confirm a person’s gender identity, also known as sex reassignment, is on the rise. Since the ASPS began collecting data in 2015, the number of surgeries has increased by 20% to 3,200 in 2016. All surgeries were performed in the United States. Gender-confirmation surgery includes anything from facial and body contouring to genital reconstruction surgery. The number of patients seeking surgeries has grown exponentially as access to experts and better care has increased.
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