Keep your skin safe at the beach
Learn what you need to know about melanoma at two upcoming Zoom sessions.
Now that beaches have reopened in Alabama, USA Health physicians are reminding everyone to take steps to protect their skin from melanoma and other skin cancers.
USA Health dermatologist Fred Bodie, M.D., recommends applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, staying out of the sun at midday and wearing a hat and protective clothing. It’s also important to get screened regularly and seek medical advice when necessary, he said.
“If a mole is changing or there is a new mole, I encourage seeking a virtual visit with a dermatologist,” Bodie said. “Then, if the mole is bothersome, the patient should come in to get it examined in person and biopsied, if necessary.”
He said that total skin cancer screenings should be conducted in person. Bodie added that oral polypodium, a plant-based antioxidant also known as Heliocare, has been shown to prevent skin cancer. Heliocare is available at USA Health Dermatology and at local drug stores.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is the fifth most common cancer in Alabama after breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers. In 2019, about 1,420 people in the state were diagnosed with melanoma, according to the most recent statistics from the American Cancer Society.
Spencer Liles, M.D., a surgical oncologist with USA Health, said that while melanoma can be deadly, there are encouraging new treatment options for those diagnosed with this type of cancer. USA Health takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating melanoma, offering care from diagnosis to surgery and cancer treatment, including clinical trials.
“Immunotherapy continues to revolutionize our approach to treating melanoma,” Liles said. “In advanced-stage patients, we are now investigating the effect of using immunotherapy before surgery to improve our ability to surgically remove all of the cancer and cure the patient.”
To hear more about melanoma diagnosis, treatment and research, you can join two upcoming virtual Melanoma Monday sessions. Participants must register on Eventbrite to gain access to these events.
Monday, May 11, 12:30 p.m.: Public health researcher and melanoma survivor Casey Daniel, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Daniel, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, was diagnosed with melanoma as a teenager. She will share her unique perspective on cancer.
Monday, May 18, 12:30 p.m.: USA Health dermatologist Fred Bodie, M.D.
Bodie will cover current skin screening guidelines and skin care products. To make an appointment with USA Health Dermatology, call 251-342-7880.
