OVERVIEWAccording to current estimates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.1,2 Although the disease can strike anyone, some people have a higher risk than others.
Among the new research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) 73rd Annual Meeting in San Francisco are two studies examining skin cancer risk in minority populations. One investigation found that gay and bisexual men are more likely to use indoor tanning devices and develop skin cancer than straight men, while another found that Hispanic and Asian women have an increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These groups should be aware of their risk and take steps toward prevention and detection.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERTSInformation provided by Sarah Tuttleton Arron, MD, PhD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and associate director, UCSF Dermatologic Surgery and Laser Center; and Arisa Ortiz, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology and director, laser and cosmetic dermatology, University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
SKIN CANCER AND INDOOR TANNING IN GAY AND BISEXUAL MENAfter reviewing data from the California Health Interview Survey and the National Health Interview Survey, Dr. Arron and researchers at UCSF found that gay and bisexual men were more likely than straight men to develop both melanoma and NMSC. This group also was more likely to report having used indoor tanning devices, which have been shown to increase skin cancer risk.3-6
Although this study doesn’t directly prove that indoor tanning causes the higher skin cancer risk observed in gay and bisexual men, the results do suggest that indoor tanning is an important risk factor. Like others who use indoor tanning devices, many gay men associate being tan with being healthy and attractive, Dr. Arron says, but it’s important for them to recognize the danger of this habit. Members of this population could reduce their skin cancer risk by protecting themselves from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from both indoor tanning devices and the sun.
NMSC IN HISPANIC AND ASIAN WOMENThe Hispanic and Asian populations in the U.S. are increasing, Dr. Ortiz says, and female members of these populations may have an increased risk of NMSC. After reviewing five years of Mohs micrographic surgery cases at UCSD, researchers found the majority of NMSCs in Caucasian patients (66 percent) occurred in men, while the majority of NMSCs in Hispanic (66.1 percent) and Asian (60.6 percent) patients occurred in women. Additionally, Hispanic NMSC patients were significantly younger (average age: 62) than Asian (average age: 70) and Caucasian (average age: 66) NMSC patients.
Asian cultures traditionally have favored fair skin as a beauty standard, Dr. Ortiz says, but these attitudes may have shifted in second- and third-generation families that have adopted the U.S. preference for tanning. She says the incidence of NMSC in both Hispanic and Asian patients may be impacted by indoor tanning and excessive sun exposure. Members of these populations may not have access to sun protection information, she says, or they may believe that their darker skin tone provides them with sufficient protection. It’s important, however, for Hispanic and Asian individuals to take the same skin cancer prevention measures as Caucasians.
PREVENTION AND DETECTIONExposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for all types of skin cancer.7 In addition to avoiding indoor tanning devices, everyone should protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Early detection and treatment are also important in fighting skin cancer. The Academy encourages everyone to perform regular skin self-exams. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. Your dermatologist also can evaluate your skin cancer risk and let you know how often you should visit his or her office for a full skin exam.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT ADVICE“Tanning is a modifiable behavior than can influence your risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Arron says. “If you’re currently tanning, stop. If you have a history of tanning, make an appointment with a dermatologist to evaluate your skin cancer risk.”
“Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs to protect themselves from the sun and monitor their skin for new or changing spots,” Dr. Ortiz says. “If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, see a dermatologist as soon as possible.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSDr. Arron would like to acknowledge Matthew Mansh for his role in her research.
Dr. Ortiz would like to acknowledge Tiffany Loh and Brian Jiang, MD, for their role in her research.
###
Jennifer Allyn(847) 240-1730, [email protected]
Nicole DeVito(847) 240-1746, [email protected]
Amanda Jacobs(847) 240-1714, [email protected]
Kara Jilek(847) 240-1701, [email protected]
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) or YouTube (Academy of Dermatology).
1 Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.2 Robinson JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection, and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.3 Whitmore SE, Morison, WL, Potten CS, Chadwick C. Tanning salon exposure and molecular alterations. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:775-80.4 Swerdlow AJ, Weinstock MA. Do tanning lamps cause melanoma? An epidemiologic assessment. J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:89-98.5 The International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group on artificial ultraviolet (UV) light and skin cancer "The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review.” International Journal of Cancer. 2007 March 1;120:111-1122.6 Karagas M, et al. "Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.” Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2002 February 6;94(3):224-6.7 Robinson, JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43
RSS