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Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center invites you and your loved ones to attend CANPrevent Skin Cancer, a free educational conference for anyone interested in learning about preventing skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer is designed to address the personal and medical issues facing those at risk for skin cancer. The conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in skin cancer risk, screening and prevention.

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in learning about skin cancer and its prevention - especially those with:

• Natural blond or red hair color
• Presence of atypical or numerous moles
• Sun sensitivity (easily burns, difficulty tanning)
• History of excessive sun exposure, including sunburns
• History of using tanning booths
• History of diseases that suppress the immune system
• Personal or family history of melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers

Join Us

Time: 8 to 11:30 am
Date: Friday, May 18, 2012
Location: Hilton Hotel located at 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: OncoLink.org/Conference/SkinCancer or call 800-789-PENN (7366)
Cost: FREE

Get the facts on skin cancer and melanoma risk, prevention and screening – they could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Unable to Attend?

Join the live web-chat with a panel of expert clinicians from the conference who will answer questions about skin cancer risk, diagnosis and treatment. To participate in the web chat or submit a question before the web chat, visit OncoLink.org/Webchat.

The web chat is scheduled for 1:15 pm ET, May 18.

Follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #CANPreventACC.

Please “re-tweet” and share Penn Medicine's messages about skin cancer prevention and awareness with your followers.

At the 10th Annual Focus on Melanoma Conference, Penn Dermatologist Chris Miller, MD, said, “If you haven’t gone through a bottle of sunscreen throughout the summer season, you didn’t use enough sunscreen.”

Right now, the beginning of the summer, is a great time to refresh your knowledge about SPF, sunscreen and how to apply sunscreen correctly.

What is SPF?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) displayed on the sunscreen label ranges from 2 to as high as 50 and refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's harmful rays. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF 15, you can be in the sun 15 times longer that you can without sunscreen before burning.

What SPF should I choose?

It’s recommended you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater for all skin types, year-round. Those with fair skin should choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF. It’s also important to choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA radiation. Sunscreen that is waterproof or water-resistant is important if you will be sweating or participating in water activities.

How much sunscreen do I need? Where should I apply it?

You should apply sunscreen to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes at a time. One ounce should be able to cover your entire body. Today, most facial moisturizers contain sunscreen and can be worn under makeup. It’s important to use sunscreen year-round (even in the winter), and in all types of weather as the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds.

It’s also important to remember to apply sunscreen to the ears, feet (if bare feet or wearing sandals), and on the hands. Chap stick with SPF is also great protection for the lips.

How often should I apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied in the morning, and reapplied after swimming or perspiring heavily. Sunscreen begins to lose its effectiveness after 80 minutes in the water, so make sure to reapply once you have towel-dried.

Rachel Woods, RN, is a nurse with surgical dermatology at Penn Medicine. 

February is National Cancer Prevention month and it’s a great time to remind everyone about the simple guidelines that can prevent or decrease the risk of certain types of cancer.

Along with routine screening exams such as mammograms and colonoscopies, your healthcare provider may recommend checking your skin for any new or changing lesions, moles, or marks.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer than lung, breast, prostate and colon cancer combined.

The good news is that skin cancer is the easiest to treat and cure if detected early. And, although most people know if they are at a higher risk for skin cancer, some may not.

There are three types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Here are some risk factors for skin cancer:

• Red or blond hair
• Fair skin
• A blistering sunburn early in life
• Prone to sunburn
• Any tanning bed use
• Spending a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation

Historically, skin cancer was most commonly diagnosed in older adults. More cases are now being seen in younger people and an alarming increase of melanoma in young women that is likely associated with tanning bed use.

How to look for skin cancer

It is never too early to start screening your skin. Take a few minutes to look at yourself in a full-length mirror and use a handheld to visualize areas hard to see. You should be familiar with the moles and freckles on your body. Take note of anything that is changing in size, shape, or color. Also watch for pink shiny or scaly lesions that may bleed easily and don’t heal.

Now that you know to give your skin a good look on a regular basis, it’s important to know sun protection. There are three things everyone needs to remember when it comes to precautions outdoors:

1. Seek shade.
2. Cover up.
3. Use sunscreen.

Shade is important particularly when the sun is at its strongest. Typically this is between the hours of 11am and 4 pm. If the sun is at its strongest, your shadow will be shorter than you.

Covering up with clothing is a good start, but all clothing is not created equal when it comes to sun protection.

Clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is specifically designed to protect from both UVA and UVB rays yet is cool and comfortable. These garments are perfect for children and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Be aware that the efficacy of these garments decreases over time as the garment is worn and washed.

You can add UPF to regular cotton clothing by adding a sun guard detergent to your wash (sunguardsunprotection.com). This adds an invisible shield to your cotton clothing that bumps a regular white cotton T-shirt to UPF 30 through 20 washes.

Also, keep your eyes safe. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and wear them even if your contact lenses have UV protection. To further protect your eyes in addition to scalp, ears, and neck, wear hats with a wide brim.

Using sunscreen is not a new recommendation. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently changed the rules about sunscreen labeling to help consumers understand what they are buying.

Sunscreen labels must be accurate and cannot claim to do things the product hasn’t been proven to do. Be wary of older products that claim to be “water or sweat proof,” offer “instant protection,” or “block” the sun’s harmful rays.

These are examples of unproven claims are no longer allowed on packaging.
When purchasing sunscreen, look for:

• Broad spectrum sunscreen (or the ingredient “avobenzone”), which means that it covers both UVA and UVB rays.
• No less than 30 SPF, as recommended by The American Academy of Dermatologists.
• Water-resistant products if you will be swimming or sweating.

How to apply sunscreen

1. Apply liberally to skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. If you are in a bathing suit “liberally” means enough to fill a shot glass.
2. Reapply at least every two hours or after you swim.
3. Don’t forget your lips! Use an SPF 30 lip balm to keep this sensitive skin protected.

Free skin cancer screening

Take advantage of Penn Dermatology’s annual free skin cancer screening clinic on Saturday, May 19. Call 215-662-2737 to make an appointment now.

Remember, sun safety is year-round. Sign up for a free skin cancer screening today.
Melanoma Skin Cancer – Get the Facts

Learn more about how to prevent skin cancer.

Join Penn for the Focus On Melanoma Conference Friday May 18.

It’s no secret that sunscreen offers the best protection against skin cancer next to staying out of the sun altogether or covering up with sun protective clothing. However, most people don’t realize that the kind of sunscreen we use is also important.

There are two main kinds of sunscreen: chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen. First, let’s take a look at how sunscreen works.

How Sunscreen Works

A sunscreen is a compound (or lotion) that uses agents to block, deflect or reflect the sun’s rays.

To be effective, it’s recommended that all sunscreens be liberally applied (at least an ounce for the entire body) to all exposed areas of the body.

Chemical Sunscreen vs. Physical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens use up to a dozen ingredients that, when applied, are absorbed in the top layer of skin. They react with the skin to absorb UV rays and convert them into energy before they can harm the skin.

Chemical sunscreens aren’t as thick as physical sunscreens, so they are often used in sunscreens specifically made for the face as well as those found in spray bottles. Since chemical sunscreens need to be absorbed into the skin, they must be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors.

Physical sunscreens, sometimes called “natural” sunscreens, include two ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Together, these ingredients sit on top of the skin and deflect or reflect the sun’s rays. Think of physical sunscreens like a shield, while chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. Both ingredients work well to protect from UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) rays. Since physical sunscreens are thicker, they can leave a white cast on the skin.

Which sunscreen is right for me?

Those with sensitive skin, or are young children, may opt for a physical sunscreen since those ingredients are milder. However, if you are darker skinned, you may opt for a chemical sunscreen, as those do not leave a white cast.

Both types of sunscreen provide adequate protection, however your personal preference may help you decide what type of sunscreen is right for you.

The most important thing to remember is to choose a sunscreen you will use.

A recent article to make the news states that those popular gel manicures that promise long lasting, chip-free manicures may actually increase the risk for skin cancer.

The gel manicures have come under attack due to the ultraviolet light used to dry the gel. According to dermatologists, these UV lights can damage the skin cells in the same way tanning beds can damage the skin while tanning.

“UV lamps are actually used for conventional, non-gel manicures too,” says Emily Chu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Penn Medicine. "If people do get manicures, especially gel manicures, which do rely more heavily on UV lamps, the manicurist can be asked also during the manicure to apply sunscreen. Some manicurists also have fingerless gloves available to help reduce UV exposure."

LED lamps, which don’t emit UV radiation and are used in some nail salons, do not pose health risks.


Tips for Manicure and Skin Safety

1. Use sunscreen on your hands. If you must get gel manicures, apply sunscreen on your hands at least 30 minutes before placing them under the UV lights.
2. Practice moderation. As with anything in life, practice moderation when it comes to manicures and gel manicures.
3. Go natural. Because manicures – especially gel manicures – can leave nails brittle, make sure you take breaks between manicures to allow your nails to heal.
4. Self-check. Always look at your skin to check for any spots or lesions that do not go away, or change shape.

Learn More About Skin Cancer and Melanoma Prevention and Treatment at Penn Medicine

The CANPrevent Skin Cancer and 10th Focus on Melanoma Conferences are free conferences from the Abramson Cancer Center for those at risk for melanoma, or who are survivors of melanoma as well as their families and friends, and care givers to those with melanoma and skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 8 to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the CANPrevent Skin Cancer Conference here.

Focus On Melanoma Conference

Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Time: 7:30 am to 3 pm
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Register for the 10th Focus On Melanoma Conference here.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn Dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215-662-2737 to make your reservation.

Colleen Bronstein is a melanoma and breast cancer survivor, mother, artist, entrepreneur and a contributor to the Focus On Cancer blog. After her melanoma diagnosis in 1999, Colleen started her own business, Sun Threadz, which promotes skin cancer awareness and protection with clothing designed to protect skin from the sun’s harmful rays.


I will always remember the day I found out I had melanoma. I was exhibiting at the American Craft Council in Baltimore in July 1999 with my 14-year-old-daughter. My husband was home and received the call that I had to contact my dermatologist immediately.

We arrived home on an artists’ high - the collectors were buying, the galleries and museums were ordering, and I was so excited to be part of the creative event in Baltimore that a diagnosis of melanoma was pushed aside. I didn’t even know what melanoma was at that time - it may as well have been malaria for all it meant to me.

If I was told I had cancer, that would have gotten my attention, like when I was told of my breast cancer diagnosis. Somehow without the word “cancer” after “melanoma” it felt less threatening.

Good Day, Sunshine

For me, paradise had always been sitting on the beach in a comfortable beach chair with a good book and nothing but the sounds of the ocean to relax me.

As a child, I spent summers in Cape May – a tradition I continued throughout my life.
The Bahamas are only a couple hours away so every spring, we were on the beach soaking up the rays and just so we were sure we had every sun angle covered, we had a pool put in our backyard. Unfortunately, I was unaware that my favorite pastimes could cause cancer.

Vitamin D anyone?

After my melanoma diagnosis, I had nightmares that I could never swim in the ocean again. The thought that I would have to spend summers indoors was devastating. I knew I could never go out in the sun unprotected, and sunscreen just did not feel like it would provide enough protection so I started searching for clothing to wear.

Clothing made me feel very protected and comfortable. I ordered a couple of pieces but was not comfortable with the design or style and would never wear the clothing so I did what every artist/designer would do; designed my own pieces. These were a few key pieces that I knew I would need to continue to do all the summer things I love. I opened my online store in May 2008 since I knew there were other women who felt the say way I did.

Today, I continue to spend time at the shore, and do my laps in my backyard pool after work. I protect myself with sunscreen, and wear sun protection clothing during every activity I do outdoors. I am also very conscious of the critical hours between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

Join me on this blog as I write about melanoma, being a cancer survivor, and give tips on protecting yourself from the sun and skin cancer.

Learn about Colleen’s sun safety clothing line, Sun Threadz.

Learn about the Abramson Cancer Center’s Melanoma Program.

Attend Focus On Melanoma – A Free Patient Education Conference.

May is brain, melanoma, and skin cancer awareness month. Be sure to subscribe to the Focus On Cancer blog and like the Abramson Cancer Center Facebook page for more information on brain, Melanoma, and skin cancer throughout the entire month.

At a Glance: Brain Cancer

• Brain cancer is an umbrella term for several different forms of cancer, including tumors and metastases.
• About 2 percent of all newly diagnosed adult cancers are brain cancer; the average age of patients with brain cancer is 50.
• Exposure to radiation has been linked to certain types of brain tumors.

Learn more about the treatment for brain cancer at the from the 2012 Focus On Brain Cancer Conference. 

Learn more about proton therapy for brain cancer at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center. 

At a Glance: Melanoma and Skin Cancer

• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. While it is mostly found on the skin, it can also be seen on a person’s nail beds, feet, scalp, eyes and mucosa surfaces (anal canal, rectum, and vagina).
• Moles that change in size, color, or border shape, or begin to itch or sting can be warning signs of melanoma and should be carefully monitored by your doctor.
• Risk factors for melanoma and skin cancer include fair complexion, history of sunburns and/or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, multiple moles, age, and family history of skin cancer and melanoma.
• The best prevention methods for skin cancer are avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more every day, even in winter.

Learn more about the treatment for melanoma and skin cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center invites you and your loved ones to attend CANPrevent Skin Cancer, a free educational conference for anyone interested in learning about preventing skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer is designed to address the personal and medical issues facing those at risk for skin cancer. The conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in skin cancer risk, screening and prevention.

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in learning about skin cancer and its prevention - especially those with:

• Natural blond or red hair color
• Presence of atypical or numerous moles
• Sun sensitivity (easily burns, difficulty tanning)
• History of excessive sun exposure, including sunburns
• History of using tanning booths
• History of diseases that suppress the immune system
• Personal or family history of melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers

Join Us

Time: 8 to 11:30 am
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013
Location: Hilton Hotel located at 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Register here call 800-789-PENN (7366)
Cost: FREE

Get the facts on skin cancer and melanoma risk, prevention and screening – they could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Unable to Attend?

Follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #SkinCancerACC. 

Please “re-tweet” and share Penn Medicine's messages about skin cancer prevention and awareness with your followers.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215- 662- 2737 to make your reservation.

Have you been screened for skin cancer?

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and dermatologists at Penn Medicine want to spread the lifesaving message of early skin cancer detection and screening by offering free skin cancer screenings in Philadelphia.

Date: Saturday, May 19 2012
Time: 8 am to Noon
Location: Department of Dermatology at the Ruth & Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Blvd., First floor, Suite 1-330S (South Pavilion), Philadelphia

Know the Facts about Skin Cancer

• More than 2 million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the two most common forms of skin cancer, but both are easily treated if detected early.
• Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults aged 20 to 29.
• The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer-related checkup and counseling about sun exposure beginning at age 20.

Register for this free skin cancer screening sponsored by Penn Dermatology and Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center by calling 215-662-2737.

Appointments are required and space is limited.

Want to learn more about skin cancer and melanoma? Register for CANPrevent Skin Cancer, a free conference about skin cancer prevention sponsored by the Abramson Cancer Center.

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center invites you and your loved ones to attend CANPrevent Skin Cancer, a free educational conference for anyone interested in learning about preventing skin cancer.

CANPrevent Skin Cancer is designed to address the personal and medical issues facing those at risk for skin cancer. The conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in skin cancer risk, screening and prevention.

Who Should Attend

Anyone interested in learning about skin cancer and its prevention - especially those with:

• Natural blond or red hair color
• Presence of atypical or numerous moles
• Sun sensitivity (easily burns, difficulty tanning)
• History of excessive sun exposure, including sunburns
• History of using tanning booths
• History of diseases that suppress the immune system
• Personal or family history of melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers

Join Us

Time: 8 to 11 am
Date: Friday, May 16, 2014
Location: Hilton Hotel located at 4200 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Register here call 800-789-PENN (7366)
Cost: FREE

Get the facts on skin cancer and melanoma risk, prevention and screening – they could save your life or the life of someone you know.

Unable to Attend?

Follow Penn Medicine on Twitter for event information before the conference date, and live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #SkinCancerACC. 

Please “re-tweet” and share Penn Medicine's messages about skin cancer prevention and awareness with your followers.

FREE Skin Cancer Screening

Have your skin checked by a Penn dermatologist to determine your risk for developing skin cancer.

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2014
Location: Smilow Center for Research, attached to the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM)

Appointments are necessary and space is limited.

Call 215- 662- 2737 to make your reservation.