The Costco Connection

By Dr. Ali Hendi

THE SKIN IS THE largest organ of the body. It’s the first line of defense against pathogens and protects the inner organs of the body.

This is why skin protection is a very important part of everyday health. Two million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) every year. There are 76,000 new cases of melanoma each year, which results in 10,000 deaths annually.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun or tanning devices is the most prominent risk factor for these cancers. Up to 90 percent of all NMSCs are caused by prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays. Having exposure to tanning beds in one’s youth increases the chances of developing melanoma by 75 percent, and indoor tanners have an increased risk of all skin cancers.

People of all ethnic groups and skin types are at risk. A person with a parent or sibling diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease than someone without a family history of melanoma. People with fair skin, light eyes and light hair are at higher risk of developing skin cancer. However, although infrequent, skin cancer is most deadly for African-American, Latino and Asian populations due to a low early-detection rate.

What can be done to prevent and/or detect skin cancer? Have yearly skin checks by a dermatologist, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Also, use a sunscreen, lotion or cream with an SPF of 15 or higher daily.

Monitoring your body for any suspicious

Protect your skin, protect your life

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lesions should be done monthly. Take note of anything that is changing, growing, scaly in appearance or bleeding.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common forms of skin cancer, can vary in appearance: They can present as an open sore that bleeds, oozes or crusts and remains open for weeks; a shiny bump or nodule that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red or white; a reddish patch or irritated area that sometimes crusts and may itch or hurt; a pink growth with an elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation; or a white, yellow or waxy scar-like area, often with poorly defined borders.

Remember the ABCDE rule for any mole that you suspect may be melanoma. Any mole that is Asymmetrical in appearance; has irregular Borders, Color that is not consistent and Diameter that is increasing; and is Evolving in character or spreading should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer it is also important to notify other health-care professionals (such as your eye doctor or urologist) of the increased risk for melanoma. Your hairdresser should also be notified so any changes in the scalp can be brought to your attention.

With the rates of skin cancer increasing each year, early detection and daily prevention on your part are the best defense. C

Dr. Ali Hendi is a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer specialist in Washington, D.C. ( mohssurgerymd.com).

THIRTY-SIX MILLION Americans— about 12 percent of the population— suffer from migraine headaches. Migraine is not the normal headache you may have experienced, but instead is a different disorder with unique symptoms and different treatments.

The American Migraine Foundation (AMF) reminds us of these migraine facts as part of this year’s initiative:

• Migraine is three times more common in women than men.

•Although most people with migraine have one or two attacks per month, 3 percent of the population has chronic migraine headaches with at least 15 days of headache each month for at least six months.

• Migraine costs the U.S. more than $20 billion each year, attributed to direct medical expenses and missed work or lost productivity.

• Migraine is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the 20 most disabling medical illnesses on the planet.

There is no cure for migraine. Treatments are aimed at reducing headache frequency and stopping individual headaches when they occur, and can include medications, lifestyle changes, trigger avoidance, behavioral therapy or physical therapy.

How do you know if you’re experiencing migraine? If you answer yes to at least two of the questions below, don’t tough it out. You should see a doctor.