Be Careful in the Sun: Know the Risks of Skin Cancer

I had the privilege of introducing Morton S. Kahlenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., as the keynote speaker to the San Antonio Rotary during one of their standing lunch meetings at the Bright Shawl.
Dr Kalenberg is the Medical Director of Surgical Oncology Associates of South Texas and the Baptist Cancer Center and presented on the risk factors for melanoma, how to recognize and diagnose it and how it is treated in the 21st century. Melanoma is a skin cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that make skin color and give moles their dark color. Dr. Kalenberg stated that the early diagnosis and accurate management of melanoma is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes. Melanoma continues to be a growing health concern with 62,500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in 2008. There will be an estimated 8,250 deaths in 2009 as a result of this disease. In the U.S., the estimated lifetime risk is 1 in 55 for males, 1 in 81 for females. The incidence of melanoma is increasing more rapidly than any other cancer in men and is second only to lung cancer in women.

More about melanoma
Protect Your Skin: How to Avoid Sun Exposure
How to Do a Self Skin Exam

* Photo: Kristina Gillen, Baptist Health System, Director of Community Affairs, Morton S. Kahlenberg, M.D, F.A.C.S., Medical Director, Surgical Oncology Associates of South Texas, and David Nichols, President of the Rotary Club of San Antonio.