Dermatologists Urge Sunscreen, Self Exams To Protect Against Skin Cancer

DANBURY — With summer almost here, Danbury Hospital is doing its part again this year to raise awareness for the importance of protecting yourself from sun exposure, a leading cause of skin cancer.

“Do your part, too,” said Beth Buscher, MD, a dermatologist, speaking at a pre-Memorial Day Medical Town Meeting, “Update on the ABCs of Skin Cancer.”

Dr Buscher stressed the importance of doing a monthly self-screening for anything that looks suspicious on the skin, as well as wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen and/or sunblock, with at least an SPF of 15. A yearly check-up with your doctor is also recommended, as moles and precancerous conditions can change.

Dr Buscher spoke along with dermatologist Laurence Sibrack, MD, Danbury Hospital’s chief of dermatology. Both doctors recommend a sunscreen that contains Parsol 1789 and zinc dioxide and/or titanium dioxide, which act as physical sun blocks.

“We don’t have the perfect sunblock,” said Dr Buscher. “We can prevent a burn, but we can’t always protect against damage.” Self-tanning creams are a safe option for those who want to look tan, but the doctors recommended wearing a sunscreen, too. “Self-tanners aren’t protective; you still need sunblock,” said Dr Sibrack. Tanning salons are a no-no.

The doctors also recommend wearing light, tightly woven clothes to block out the sun, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. They also suggested knowing if any medications make you photosensitive, as more than 50 drugs can increase photosensitivity for some people.

Sun damage is responsible for instances of skin cancer, which also have a genetic predisposition component and is affected by our complexion, according to the doctors. “The cause of skin cancer is multi-factorial,” said Dr Sibrack. “Sun is a factor, but clearly, it’s not the only factor.:

But prevention is also the best defense against skin cancer. The sun is best avoided between 10 am and 4 pm, and sunscreen should be applies at least 20 minutes before going into the sun, and reapplied often.

The doctors also recommended that people know the ABCs of skin cancer. The ABCDs stand for asymmetry, border irregularity, color, and diameter. Moles should be checked when they are asymmetrical, have ragged borders, have no uniformity of color, and the diameter is great than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).

When doing a self-exam, Dr Buscher recommends checking even in places that do not get sun exposure, such as between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Point out anything to your doctor that doesn’t look right, or any mole that has changed.

Both Danbury Hospital and the local dermatologists have much information to share on skin cancer. Ask your doctor, or visit www.danburyhospital.org. If you do not have a doctor and need a physician referral, call the Danbury Hospital physician referral office at 797-7322.