Have you had your moles checked recently? Who do you go to? Ive just returned from my annual mole check-up with Dr Paul Joblin at the Specialists Suite in Apollo Healthcare Centre. After having a melanoma removed two years ago, its fair to say Im a little pedantic about getting every spot checked - to the point that Dr Joblin reminds me about four times that I only need to see him once a year - I dont take that personally ;). While being burnt to a crisp in our searing heat is NOT recommended, theres little evidence to support the liberal use of sunscreen for reducing the risk of melanoma. Among others, family history, skin phenotype, stress and inflammation (from a number of external and internal sources), vitamin D deficiency are all contributing factors to melanoma risk. For me, I know family history played a part - and am mildly suspicious of stress and exposure to products creating oxidative stress as well (though clearly cant prove that). The take home from this is NOT to throw away the sunscreen - but to recognise that using it as your only protection against the burning sun is like putting a sticking plaster on an amputation. Be sun smart, and check out this excellent slide show by Dr Anastasia Boulais - Ancestral Health New Zealand vice president - on the lifestyle factors that increase melanoma risk. And if you havent already, book in for an appointment with someone who can confidently determine what is fine and what is dodgy on the mole-front. (And if you have someone you see in your area, please comment below for those people looking for someone). slideshare.net/ancestralhealth/anastasia-boulais-is-sun-worshipping-increasing-your-risk-of-melanoma-ahs13?from_search=1
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 02:17:00 +0000