Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 08/09/2014

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content within these links.

• Skin cancer cases double in 30 years but survival rates also rise

The BBC reports on new research from the Alan Lyell Centre for Dermatology in Glasgow which shows that skin cancer rates have doubled in the last 30 years but survival rates have also risen.

Source: BBC

• High-Risk Melanomas Often on Head or Neck, Study Finds

A look at a study published online (Aug. 20) in JAMA Dermatology by a research team led by Dr. Sarah Shen who investigated mitotic rates of melanomas in more than 1,400 patients. The article contains a number of comments on the study from well respected Dermatologists in the US.

Source: Philly

• Moles can quadruple risk of developing melanoma

A joint study by the University of Melbourne, University of Oxford and Epworth Healthcare states that having moles on your skin can quadruple your risk of developing melanoma. The research compared two groups of people 271,656 for whom moles had been recorded duringa  hospital visit for any condition - and 10,130,417 who did not have moles recorded. 

Source: Medical Xpress

• New techniques help curb advanced melanoma

A Canadian article exploring some of the modern methods of treatment for advanced melanoma.

Source: CBC

• Melanoma Is Not the Only Skin Cancer to Worry About

Researchers from Dundee University and Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands presented their findings at the World Congress on Cancers of the Skin in Edinburgh last week. The study calculated that an average sunbed user, who tans for 12 minutes every eight days between the ages of 20 and 35 is 90% more likely to develop skin cancer by their 50s.

Source: Skin Inc

• New Melanomas Likely to Recur at Same Rate

A diagnosis of in situ or invasive melanoma conferred a similar long-term risk of invasive melanoma recurrence, a 40-year retrospective review showed.

Source: Med Page Today 

• US approves new immunotherapy drug against melanoma

A new drug by Merck pharmaceuticals called Keytruda that uses the body's immune system to fight metastatic melanoma was approved Thursday by US regulators.

Source: Yahoo 

• Sun visors for pilots as research shows high rates of skin cancer

Pilots could start wearing sunglasses or sun visors in the cockpit as a matter of course after new research pinpointed their exposure to sunlight as the likely cause of high rates of skin cancer.

Source: The Guardian

• Cancer warning: UK facing a 'tsunami of skin cancer'

Dermatologist Dr Walayat Hussain told BBC Breakfast that the UK was facing "a tsunami of skin cancer" as experts say cheap foreign holidays and the fashion for having tanned skin are probably to blame for the increase.

Source: BBC 

• I can't stop using sunbeds, even after getting skin cancer: Tan obsessed twin says she can't break the habit despite both her and her sister having health scares

A young woman who says she's addicted to sunbeds admits even getting skin cancer hasn't put her off tanning.

Lucy Simm, 29, from Morecambe, was keen to get back on a sunbed as soon as she had recovered from an operation to remove a cancerous mole on her leg. The woman told her story on ITV's This Morning along with her twin sister who has also been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Source: Daily Mail  

Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 22/08/2014

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• High-Risk Melanomas Often on Head or Neck

An investigation by Australian researchers measuring the speed at with cancer cells grow may help doctors diagnose and treat the most aggressive of Melanomas. 

Source: WebMD

• Teens aren’t using sunscreen as much: Are melanoma warnings not enough?

The Tech Times takes a look at research originating from William Paterson University in New Jersey which has shown that the number of high school students using sunscreen dropped from 67.7% to 56.1% between 2001 and 2011 in the United States.

Source: Tech Times

• The skin cancer that killed Bob Marley not caused by sun, scientists say

UK scientists have found that acral melanoma - which caused the death of Bob Marley is genetically distinct from other more common types of skin cancer. Unlike other more common types of melanoma, it's not caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.

Source: Express 

• Digital surveillance, photography aided early melanoma diagnosis

A study from the University of Sydney has revealed that surveillance with total body photography and sequential digital dermoscopy imaging helped improve early detection of primary melanomas. 

Source: Healio

• Dermtech Offers A Simple Way to Detect Melanoma

An article describing a new technique of diagnosing skin cancer using adhesive tape. Developed by Dermtech, the article states that the adhesive tape can be used as an alternative to a biopsy. 

Source: NanAlyze 

• VIDEO: Advanced melanoma on brink of immunotherapy ‘revolution’

A video interview with Dr. Steven O'Day of the Beverly Hills Cancer Centre at the the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology on the latest developments in melanoma treatment options.

Source: Oncology Practice 

• Smartphones Cut Melanoma Treatment Time 

Research carried out by Swedish scientists has found that using smartphones equipped with a microscope allows physicians to photograph potential melanomas and send the results on to specialists for further assesment will help to cut treatment time.

Source: Clinical Oncology 

• Training the body to fight melanoma

A new experimental therapy claims to be able to train the body's immune system to fight skin cancer.

Source: My Sun Coast

• Pregnant 'tanorexic' is diagnosed with skin cancer after tiny blemish on her nose turns into 'rodent ulcer'

The Daily Mail has a story on a regular sun bed user who was diagnosed with melanoma.

Source: Daily Mail 

• Brits are 'ignorant' of sunburn risks, poll reveals

Worrying research from Macmillan Cancer Support as it reports that many British citizens aren't aware of the risks associated with sunburn. The study showed that 22% of Brits polled were unaware that you can get sunburn through a window.

Source: ITV 

• Higher UV radiation linked to increased prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancers

A higher mean daily UV radiation has been linked with increased nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence rates, according to findings gathered after researchers systematically reviewed 40 peer-reviewed articles published from 1978 to 2012 that provided age and sex-specific and incidence data for non melanoma skin cancers in white populations worldwide. 

Source: Healio 

Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 15/08/2014

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content within these links.

• Expert’s Corner: How zebrafish are helping to unlock melanoma genetics

A video on how researchers are using Zebrahfish to study melanoma skin cancer. The researchers from the University of Massachusetts are using the fish to identify genes responsible for melanoma , with the hope of identifying new targets for potential treatments.

Source: University of Massachusetts Medical School

• Multispectral digital skin lesion analysis reduces unnecessary biopsies for melanoma

A multispectral digital device could help to analyse patients pigmented skin lesions and may assist in reducing the number of unnecessary skin biopsies according to the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting. 

Source: Healio 

• Immune Cell Discovery Could Help to Halt Cancer Spread

The Bio Science site reports that Melbourne researchers have revealed the importance of highly specialized immune cells, called natural killer cells, in killing melanoma cells that have spread to the lungs. The cells could be harnessed to hunt down and destroy cancers that have spread through the body.

Source: Bio Science 

• Handheld photoacoustic microscopy device could enable deeper melanoma imaging

Washington University researchers based in St.Louis have developed a handheld photoacoustic microscopy device that can be used directly on patients and accurately measure how deep a melanoma tumour extends into the skin, providing valuable information for treatment, diagnosis and prevention.

Source: Bio Optics World 

• New Melanomas Likely to Recur at Same Rate

A 40 year retrospective review has showed that a diagnosis of in-situ or invasive melanoma conferred a similar long-term risk of invasive melanoma recurrence. 

Source: Med Page Today 

• 'I lost my eye to skin cancer because cheap holiday sunglasses gave me no protection'

The 'Daily Mirror' has a personal story about how fake sunglasses without adequate UV protection led to a British woman being diagnosed with melanoma behind her right eye.

Source: Mirror 

• Does Skin Cancer Itch?

A Q&A with New York Dermatologist Janet Prystowsky on a study originating from Temple University School of Medicine that reports that 37% of skin cancer lesions are accompanied by itching. 

Source: Allure 

• Treating Sunburn

A number of articles on treating sunburn. You should always remember that prevention is the best treatment.

Source: Mens Journal/Vogue/Daily Star 

Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 08/08/14

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content within these links.

• Photoacoustic device aids management of melanomas

Researchers working out of  Washington University in St.Louis in the United States have developed a new piece of hand held technology which utilises lasers and sound waves to help doctors diagnose melanoma skin cancer.

Source: The Engineer

• Specific genetic defect may increase melanoma susceptibility

A study that has come out of the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Centre published in 'Molecular Cell' has shown that a genetic defect in a specific hormonal pathway may make people more susceptible to developing melanoma.

Source: Oncology Advisor

• Surgical treatment for metastatic melanoma of the liver increases overall survival

New research from the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California has revealed that surgical treatment metastatic melanoma of the liver increases overall survival. These results show a departure from the previous thought that melanoma is often considered fatal once it has spread to the liver.

Source: Oncology Advisor

• Generation of tanners see spike in deadly melanoma

The acting US Surgeon general has delivered a start warning to Americans as it was reported that there has been a jump of 200% in melanoma cases since 1973. The surgeon general urged those residing in the United States to stop sunbathing and using indoor tanning beds.

Source: Desert Sun

• Too much sun? This £1 wristband will tell you...Bracelet could help prevent skin cancer

The Smartsun band changes colour when exposed to damaging UV levels and could help users tell when they've had enough. If your interested in the bands please get in touch with us at info@masscot.org.uk and we can provide you with more details on them and a cost.

Source: Express

• E-jewellery to prevent sunburn

A new piece of technology which works with iOS devices such as iphone's and ipad's has been created by Netatmo. It's a small jewel shaped sensor which pairs with your devices and reads the UV index and provides advice as to what you should be wearing to ensure your protected during the day.

Source: The Hindu 

Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 01/08/14

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content within these links.

• Piggybacking cells hold clue to cancer growth – and treatment for melanoma

Discovery of how fast growing tumour cells hitch ride on invasive cells could help create a new drug to tackle skin cancer

Source: The Guardian

• Melanoma diagnosed decades later often linked to childhood sun damage

Damage caused by ultraviolet rays during childhood – both indoors and outdoors – elevates the risk for developing melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, during adulthood.

Source: Spokesman

• 10 Things You Didn't Know Were Happening While You Were Lying out

So, what is actually happening when you sit in the sun? Dr. Day tells Cosmopolitan.com

Source: Cosmopolitan

• Health experts warn sunburn in young children can put them at risk of skin cancer later in life

VIVIENNE Wilson, lead nurse at the Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, warned that parents need to be aware of the hidden dangers of overexposure to harmful rays.

Source: Daily Record

• NICE backs 2 new cancer treatments

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance recommending a new prostate cancer drug and extending the use of another for skin cancer

Source: WedMD

• Prickly, itchy skin lesions could spell skin cancer

Painful or itchy skin lesions could be a warning sign of skin cancer, researchers report.

Source: Healthy 24

• 'Tanned skin is damaged skin': Surgeon general warns sun-loving Americans after 200% spike indeadly melanoma

The acting U.S. surgeon general warned in a report released Tuesday that cites an alarming 200 per cent jump in deadly melanoma cases since 1973. The report blames a generation of sun worshiping for the $8billion spent to treat all forms of skin cancer each year.

Source: Daily Mail 

• Parents don't protect themselves from skin cancer because they're prioritising their children's skin

A YouGov survey found that 92% of adults make sure their children are protected from the sun before their own. 80% of parents also admit to getting sunburned in the UK- increasing their risk of skin cancer.

Source: Health Canal

Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 22/07/14

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content contained within these links.

• GSK's melanoma study stopped early on survival boost

GlaxoSmithKline has stopped a Phase III study of its combination therapy for advanced cutaneous melanoma ahead of schedule after it showed a significant survival benefit.

Source: Pharmatimes

• Research continues on topical cream that could tan skin, prevent melanoma

In 2006, UC researchers were given $1 million from the National Cancer Institute to develop a topical treatment that would not only make skin tan but would also work to both block harmful ultraviolet rays (UV) and repair damage caused by sun exposure, which could lead to skin cancer.

Source: MedicalXpress

• Roche reports positive data from new melanoma drug trial

Roche has announced that its investigational MEK inhibitor cobimetinib has shown efficacy in the treatment of advanced melanoma in a new clinical trial.

Source: Zenopa

• The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will help protect you against skin cancer, allegedly.

Just when we thought manufacturers were running out of steam for different types of sensors to cram into their fancy new smartphones, Samsung has managed to take us completely by surprise.

Certainly never one to be afraid of taking a risk or thinking outside the box, Samsung has made a few questionable decisions in its past, but this one seems like a genuinely good idea. According to reported leaks, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 could come with an in-built UV sensor.

Source: What Mobile

• Skin cancer victim's final artwork on display

A painting with a difference has gone on public display.

The picture of a bridge in Japan was the last work by Alex Hood before she died from skin cancer six years ago today.

Source: Daily Record

• Tint Shop Offers Free Window Tint for Skin Cancer Patients

A tint shop owner in the Inland Empire area of California is doing his best to make life easier for people with skin cancer.

Arturo Ceballos, owner of Tint City and Black Diamond Wheels and Tint, is offering anyone diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers a complete auto window tint, typically a $150 job, for no cost.

http://www.windowfilmmag.com/2014/07/tint-shop-offers-free-window-tint-for-skin-cancer-patients/

• A quarter of teenagers will risk skin cancer to get a tan

A QUARTER of teenagers would get sunburnt for a tan even if they knew someone with skin cancer, alarming research revealed yesterday.

Source: Express

• The Justin Bieber skin cancer effect: Teen craze copying singer's fringe could reduce risk of melanoma, experts say

Pop superstar Justin Bieber may be helping to drive down skin cancer rates – thanks to one of his famous haircuts.

The Baby singer, who has an army of millions of young fans across the globe, sported a large fringe over his forehead in his teens.

Research has found that youngsters with similar hairdos tended to have paler skin and fewer freckles on their foreheads.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2687515/The-Justin-Bieber-skin-cancer-effect-Teen-craze-copying-singers-fringe-reduce-risk-melanoma-experts-say.html#ixzz38BpJGTKR

• Sarah Harding: My skin cancer scare changed me

Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding reveals how finding a mole on her leg in 2012 led her to re-evaluate her life

Source: Now Magazine

• Daisy, the dog who's sniffed out over 500 cases of cancer: She even saved the woman whose research revealed her uncanny skill

Claire's work with dogs was inspired by meeting Gillian Lacey, editor of the magazine published by the charity Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Gillian's dalmatian Trudii helped diagnose her skin cancer. The dog became agitated about a mole that appeared on Gillian's right leg while on holiday when she was 19.

As Gillian, now 55, recalls: 'I hadn't given it a second thought, but Trudii was really disturbed by it - she kept sniffing it, then licking and nibbling it. Her strange behaviour - directed only at me - continued for eight months.'

The dog's behaviour persuaded Gillian to go to the GP.

Daisy has detected more than 551 cases of cancer with a diagnostic accuracy of 93 per cent

'When I told him the dog had sniffed out this mole, he said it was amazing what dogs can sense, but he didn't think my mole looked sinister.'

Even so he removed the mole under a local anaesthetic and two weeks later she was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma, which claims  more than 2,000 lives in the UK every year. Gillian had surgery to remove an area of flesh 4in by 3in in size.

Source: Daily Mail

Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Round Up: 04/07/2014

MASScot does not endorse nor is affiliated with any of the content contained within these links.

• Terminal melanoma patient calls for a sunbed ban in the UK

A melanoma patient has funded a hard hitting video to help in the fight against melanoma and skin cancer as they call for a UK wide ban on sunbeds. Four people talk about the traumatic effect melanoma has had on their lives.

Source: Derby Telegraph 

• According to a New Study, Sunscreen Doesn't Fully Prevent Melanoma. 3 Additional Things You Must Do

Glamour lists three additional methods of sun protection after a recent study showed that you need more than just sunscreen to ensure you're protected in the sun.

Source: Glamour 

• Surgical treatment improves survival for metastatic melanoma patients whose disease is limited to the liver

Surgical resection markedly improves survival among metastatic melanoma patients whose disease is isolated to a few areas in the liver, according to new study findings published in the July issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. These results mark a departure for melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, that is most often considered fatal once it has spread to the liver and then, not amenable to surgical treatment.

Source: News Medical

• Should You Worry About That Mole? Here's How To Tell

The business insider goes with a story about skin cancer and the US and how to make yourself aware of the risks and symptoms.

Source: Business Insider

• Playing with fire - Lurking danger of summer sun

An article foucsing on melanoma and skin cancer stats and prevention in the UK. The Shropshire star dispelles some common skin cancer myths at it attempts to educate the general public about the importance of sun protection and early detection.

Source: Shropshire Star 

• Fear of Developing Skin Cancer Induces People to Use Sunscreen Lotions More Often, Study

A new study has found that a fear of developing skin cancer has made people become more vigilant in their application of sunscreen. The study comes from the University of Buffalo in the United States.

Source: University Herald

• Outdoor workers urged to protect themselves from skin cancer

The local Gov site covers a new initiative launched in Liverpool which encourages outdoor works to protect thier skin from the sun whent he UV index is high.

Source: Local Gov

• How worrying can protect skin cancer

Information about the statistical likelihood of developing skin cancer is less likely to get people to wear sunscreen than fear and worry, report researchers.

Source: Futurity 

• UK skin cancers set to rise and go on rising says leading dermatologist

This week research released from P20 sun protection has shown that 38 per cent of us are unlikely to wear any form of sun protection while exposed to the sun in UK.

Source: The Information Daily