New imaging tool bypasses blade to check for skin cancer At the UConn Health Centre, patients can often avoid the pain and scarring of a biopsy, thanks to a laser imaging tool that enables analysis of the skin at the cellular level. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-11-imaging-tool-bypasses-blade-skin.html Web Based Course Improves Ability to Detect Skin Cancer For primary care providers, a web based course in skin cancer detection improves skills related to recognition and management of skin cancer according to a study published in the November-December issue of the journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/42562 Melanoma survivors suffering long term distress: research New research shows that one third of Queensland melanoma survivors are still suffering significant psychological distress more than five years after diagnosis. The Cancer Council Queensland study surveyed 2500 melanoma survivors and found distress was more common in female than male long-term melanoma survivors, in younger age groups and in patients with lower levels of social support. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/melanoma-survivors-suffering-long-term-distress-research-20131121-2xyet.html Merck trial shows more melanoma cancer patients respond to drug Early data from a small trial of Merck & Co Inc's experimental immunotherapy cancer drug, known as MK-3475, show that about half of advanced melanoma patients treated with the highest dose of the drug experienced tumour shrinkage. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/11/18/us-merck-melanoma-idUKBRE9AH0RQ20131118
Nevis, Glencoe and Gleenshee are just a few of the Scottish ski resorts where skiers from Scotland and all over the world flock to in the winter months to enjoy the ski season. UV levels increase about 4% for every 1,000 foot gain in altitude, that’s why it’s important to keep informed of the dangers that skiers face from the sun and its harmful UV rays. With the winter drawing in its not likely that most of us will have to worry about the UV levels until next April, especially in Scotland. However, if you’re planning on heading to the hills for a bit of sking or perhaps abroad then you might want to read up on how you can avoid the sunburn when you’re on the slopes. At a high altitude you are closer to the sun and the snow on the ground reflects the sun which means you’ll have to take precautions to ensure you’ve protected yourself against the suns harmful rays. So what can be done?
Sunscreen This is the simplest and easiest solution to keeping the sun from damaging your skin when out and about. Slap the sunscreen on your face and make sure you spread it equally around your face covering any of your skin which will be exposed to the sun. You should go for a sweat proof sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 30 although we’d advise that the higher the SPF Factor the better. Keep it reapplied every couple of hours to combat the sweating! Wearing a balaclava with goggles is also a great option for keeping your skin protected without slapping on the sunscreen. Ski Goggles The first defence for your eyes when you hit the slopes is a good pair of UV protecting goggles. Once you’ve slapped on the sunscreen you can double up on your defences by popping on some ski goggles. Invest in a good pair of ski goggles which protect against the full spectrum of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Most goggles out there are 100% UV protected, so make sure you read the label to ensure your goggles are fully UV protected in order to make sure that your safe when on the slopes. Full UV protection is great but even better is that of goggles with full UV protection and mirrored lenses. Mirrored lenses act like a two way mirror, they allow you to look out but prevent anyone from seeing your eyes. Mirror lenses reflect light away from your eyes and therefore less light penetrates the goggle lens. Polarized ski goggles also reduced glare from sun or snow. Cover Up Covering up is the best way to combat the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re out on the slopes it’s probably inevitable that you’ll be wrapped up warm anyway and that’s the best way to stay safe in the sun. So keep the layers on and you’ll be safe on the slopes. Lip Balm Lip balm formulated with sunscreen will keep your lips moisturized when you hit the slopes and the SPF factor will ensure they’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. A little bit more advice: - Keep hydrated and slurp down the water on a regular basis. - Take a break from the sun every few hours. Get inside and seek some shelter on occasion. - Ski early and late: The UV rays are at their highest between 10am and 4pm so try avoid hitting the slopes around these times. - Carry a travel sized sunscreen in your pocket to apply wherever you are.
This year MASScot were generously funded by the Sunter Trust. This funding allowed us to employ teachers to help spread MASScot's message of sun protection across schools throughout Glasgow. We managed to reach 28 Schools throughout Glasgow and the surrounding area, reaching 6000 pupils in the process. During our time visiting these schools, we launched our Sun Protection Message Competition. MASScot invited pupils who were educated on the dangers of the sun from our teachers to get their creative juices flowing and come up with an eye catching poster or memorable slogan to get the sun protection message across. The winners of the competition will each receive £50 and we will use the winning entries in our publicity material to get the message across to the wider public. We received plenty of entries. Below are just a few of them.
MASScot will announce the winners on Tuesday the 12th of November, so check back for an update soon.
A collection of links of all the latest melanoma and skin cancer news.
MASScot's Leigh Smith speaks out on a new blood test which will be used to identify the spread of melanoma Skip ahead to 15:00 minutes into the programme to hear Leigh. Source: BBC Blood test could identify spread of melanoma
A SIMPLE blood test could identify those patients whose melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – has started to spread to other parts of the body, according to new research.
The test, developed by researchers in Scotland, allows scientists to examine DNA shed from cancer tumour cells into the bloodstream, in particular a gene called TFP12.
Ipilimumab’s long-term survival edge confirmed in melanoma
AMSTERDAM – Immunotherapy with ipilimumab provides a durable, long-term survival benefit in patients with metastatic or locally advanced melanoma, a pooled analysis confirms.
Could a Movember moustache be good for you all year round?
Facial hair may have health benefits, from improving your immune system to protecting your face from the sun
Of course, the power of facial hair to attract or repulse the opposite sex may come as no surprise to the moustachioed hipster, but other than finding a potential partner with a fetish for fuzz, are there other tangible health benefits? Yes, say scientists at the University of Southern Queensland. They claim beards can help to block out the sun's harmful rays. The study published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry found that a full bushy beard offered protection levels similar to factor 21 sunscreen – a reduction in the UV of 50 to 95%.
History of Prostate Cancer Tied to Higher Odds for Melanoma Men with prostate cancer may face an increased risk for developing melanoma skin cancer down the road, new research suggests. Source: Consumer Healthday Distraught parents' anger after doctors failed to spot 33-year-old daughter's skin cancer two years before she died The family of a mother-of-two who died from skin cancer have spoken of their anger that the disease wasn't spotted by doctors earlier. Source: Daily Mail
This week sunbeds were outlawed in every state in Australia.
All commercial sunbeds will be banned in a bid to slash skin cancer rates. The ban will come into force by December 31st next year. Australia is the first country in the world to adopt this measure and many countries will look upon Australia and monitor the outcome of the ban.
Sunbeds are on nearly every high street in the UK. Sometimes
you'll walk down to your local cross and you may even have more than one
sunbed parlour on the same street. People still continue to use sunbeds, but
are they really aware of how dangerous sunbeds actually are? Do sunbed users
understand how much harm they are causing to their skin?
Sunbeds give out UV rays which damage
the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage can build up and may
eventually lead to skin cancer.
What are the laws for sunbeds in Scotland?
Under the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008:
- Coin operated sunbeds are no longer allowed.
- A member of staff must be supervising sunbed use.
- Sunbed operators are not allowed to hire sunbeds to under
18s.
- Sunbed operators must show information on the health risks
linked with using a sunbed.
These laws are great and are in place to make sure only
those old enough to make an educated decision use sunbeds. By the time you’re
old enough to use sunbeds you should come to realise how dangerous they are. But sunbeds still continue to be used.
What is being done to get the message out?
This year alone MASScot have reached out to 8000 pupils
across 28 different schools, spreading the message of sun protection and the
dangers of sunbeds, keeping the young educated. This is an essential tool in keeping people off the beds.
Educating the public, making them aware of the facts and providing them with
the information to make an informed decision is one of the best ways of
reducing skin cancer, and making sure people stay away from the sunbeds.
Liverpool Fashion Week
Liverpool fashion week organisers have banned models that
use sunbeds in order to discourage copycat teenagers from risking skin cancer.
This a great step forward in terms of raising awareness. It sends a simple
message that sunbeds are harmful and you risk skin cancer by using them.
"We want our models to look their absolute best, which
means not putting themselves at risk of skin cancer or premature ageing from
the sunbeds." - Amanda Moss, organiser of Liverpool Fashion Week
With the dangers associated with sunbeds gaining more and
more traction, slowly people in the UK are becoming aware of their dangers. And
maybe one day Scotland will follow Australia’s example and finally get rid of
all commercial sunbeds.
Tanning Myths
Being tanned is not a sign of health - The simple fact
that your skin has changed colour is a sign of damage.Skin damage from sunbeds is just as big a problem for
young people - You can't always see the damage that UV does straight away as it
builds up gradually.
Spending more time on sunbeds will not make you tan look
any better - We each have our own tanning limits. No matter how much UV you
receive there comes a point when your skin won't get any darker.
Sunbed tanning is no safer than sun tanning - Sunbeds are
not a 'safe' alternative to sun tanning.
You cannot tan safely by building your sunbed tan
gradually - Unfortunately, using sunscreen or limiting your time on a sunbed
will not completely protect your skin from damage and ageing.
You don’t need a sunbed to get Vitamin D - You only need
short exposures to the sun to produce adequate amounts.
MASScot were very lucky to have Gareth, Graeme and Stuart raise funds for us by competing in 'Tough Mudder'. The three were colleagues of Bryan Hunter who like many of his generous family and friends chose to donate to MASScot in his memory and give to our cause.
For those not familiar with 'Tough Mudder' here is the description from the official site: "Tough Mudder events are hardcore 12 mile-long obstacle courses designed by the Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses and 1,000,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world." Check out the video below to see just what the guys had to face.
Once again thanks to Gareth, Graeme and Stuart for their efforts, we greatly appreciate it!
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