Melanoma Monday- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
Melanoma Monday- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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May 5, 2000
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In This Issue:
Town Meeting with Dr. Thier
Essence of Nursing Award
Construction on Bretholtz Center Begins
BWH Nursing
Pike Notes
Melanoma Monday
Ready to get outside and enjoy the summer sun? Know the risks and what you can do to protect yourself. The current lifetime risk in the U.S. for melanoma, the most common of the serious skin cancers, is one in 79 people. That’s why dermatology clinics around the country are holding free skin cancer screenings to celebrate “Melanoma Month.” The screenings here at BWH will be held on Monday, May 15. According to Harley Haynes, MD, clinical director, Dermatology (pictured above), “Approximately 80 percent of melanomas are cured when detected and removed early in the course of the disease.” Since melanomas often develop in or near existing moles, it is important for people to look at their skin and moles and be able to detect any changes. If a person notices a change, he or she should be examined by a dermatologist. Haynes recommends these simple steps to reduce the chances of developing melanoma: • Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA (which doesn’t cause sunburn but which is carcinogenic) and UVB (which causes sunburn). Reapply sunscreen every few hours. One application for a day out in the sun is not sufficient protection. • Avoid being in the sun during the most intense periods of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Haynes notes that cotton, especially light colors and weights, is actually poor protection, especially against UVA. Dark colors and synthetic fabrics offer more protection. To sign up for your free skin cancer screening on May 15, call the Brigham Dermatology Associates at 278-0543 between 12 and 2 p.m. Screenings will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m.