IS THE SUN REALLY BAD FOR YOU?

Dr. Robert Brueck MD, feels it is important to keep his patient informed about health subjects, such as skin cancer, especially since his Fort Myers Plastic Surgery practice is in a "hotbed" (pun intended) of sunshine activities.

For years, we have been taught that sun exposure is bad for us– particularly excessive sun exposure. The rates of melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer are surely on the rise. From 1991-2004 the rate per 100,000 people has risen from 9.39% to 13.91%.

The $64,000 question is why? Some feel as we become more aware of this disease pathologists are calling more and more pigmented lesions early melanoma. Wih something as potentially deadly as skin cancer, it surely is better to err on the side of over diagnosis.

The big question is, "Is the sun also the culprit"? There is some research which says melanomas DECREASE with sun exposure and can INCREASE with sunscreen. What is interesting is the rate of melanomas in people who work indoors has been increasing since 1940.

UV light has sun damaging UVA and vitamin D producing UVB. Both can produce tanning and burning. The theory is that office workers get sun through the windows which blocks UVB, hence lower vitamin D levels in skin. Vitamin D is a very strong anti-oxidant. In fact, it is one of nature's most potent anti-cancer agents.

Basically if you get NO sun your body is not producing Vitamin D in your skin with the net result being more skin cancer ie. melanoma. You can take Vitamin D supplements but sunlight producing vitamin D in your skin is a better choice.

Interesting. But, in the end, I think moderation is prudent and wise.

Melanoma - The most dreaded skin cancer

Dr. Robert Brueck, Board Certified cosmetic surgeon in Fort Myers, Florida, reports on a new book about this dreaded form of skin cancer. Concerns about melanoma spring from its propensity to spread via the lymphatics as well as the blood stream.

The incidence of melanoma is rising by 4%-6% each year.

For years, we have been taught and have been telling our patients that sun exposure is a predisposing factor.

Now, along comes a book entitled "The Sun and the "Epidemic" of Melanoma: Myth on Myth!" The author is Dr. Bernard Ackerman, a world renowned expert on melanoma. His book attempts to dispel some myths about melanoma.

Dr. Ackerman believes genes are more important than sun exposure. He notes in his book that Asians and Africans only develop melanoma on their palms, soles, nails and mucous membranes (re: mouth-type).

I personally feel genes are very important, ie. we inherit skin type - freckles and such - from our parents. This can predispose us to melanoma.

I also feel that the sun can, in some cases, act as a catalyst to initiate the development of melanoma.

We are learning more every day. In the meantime, it's probably best to limit prolonged exposure to the sun and keep your skin covered whenever possible outside in the sun. I also recommend that you subscribe to a 'feed' of this blog to continue to receive updates about this subject and news from the world of cosmetic surgery.

As a Board Certified cosmetic surgeon practicing in sunny Fort Myers, Florida, I also cover a wide range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery subjects on my web site, http://www.Beauty-by-Brueck.com . You are invited to visit.