REDUCING THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER
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Q A
Diwakar Davar, MD, is the director of the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Below, Dr. Davar discusses his research at UPMC Hillman and how people can protect themselves from skin cancer.
What are you working on at UPMC Hillman?
We have a large skin cancer program that focuses on all skin cancers, ranging from the care of melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and rare skin tumors, including Merkel cell carcinoma. Our experts are leading new approaches for the management of melanoma and other skin cancers, along with practice-changing trials that have set new standards for these diseases.
My research focuses on new treatments for advanced cutaneous melanoma and the role played by the gut microbiome( the bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract) in modulating responses to cancer immunotherapy.
What tips do you have for preventing skin cancer?
While the development of new treatments, including immunotherapy, has resulted in a reduction in the number of patients dying from advanced melanoma, the incidence of melanoma continues to rise. Melanoma is one of the top three cancers diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 29, particularly in young women.
To decrease the risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers:
• Don’ t expose your skin to the sun. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
• Use sunscreen SPF 30 as often as possible.
• Protect your skin in the sun by wearing hats, gloves, and sunglasses.
• Avoid the sun between 9 a. m. and 3 p. m.
• Protect children from the sun, as they are very vulnerable to ultraviolet rays. One bad sunburn in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
• Avoid tanning beds. Tanning bed use increases the risk of melanoma by 75 %.