Ditch the Tanning Bed - The Truth of Skin Cancer

Let's be honest - the way society paints it there seems to be nothing better than to have a nice sun kissed glow. Having a tan makes you appear thinner, makes your hair look brighter, your eyes pop more and just gives you some added confidence. When I was in high school & college I was an avid tanning bed user - I'd sign up for the monthly membership and take a visit to the tanning bed, every-single-day (I'd go twice a day if I could).

However, after developing some per-cancerous lesions while in college - I had to finally take a step back from the tanning bed, I realized my life was a bit more important than having a summer glow ( year round). It took me a bit to be comfortable with no longer using the tanning bed - but after graduating college and joining the Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery team I realized, Pale Really is the New Tan!

Not ready to ditch the summer-time glow? There are some safe alternatives to give you that glow without let yourself crisp in the sun or bake in the tanning booth. There are several different types of "Tanning Towels" and technology has really developed in terms of the sunless tanning salon options. We can't advise you on which is best for you, but this is a much safer alternative then subjecting yourself to harmful UV rays in a tanning bed.

Protecting your skin from the sun not only helps lessen the risk of developing skin cancer but also keeps your skin looking flawless and youthful - younger looking skin, if that's not reason to protect your skin, then I am not sure what is!

If you have a few moments, check out this YouTube video - Skin Cancer survivors sharing what they wish they would have been able to tell themselves at 16 years old. 

Still not sold? I've put together a list from the Skin Cancer Foundation of some of the most startling facts about skin cancer, the tanning bed and more:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
• Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 57 minutes).
• An estimated 9,480 people will die of melanoma in 2013.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old.
• A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.
• Just one indoor tanning session per year in high school or college boosts the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 10 percent. That risk is increased to 73 percent if one tans six times per year.
• People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.

For a full list of facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation, click here. 


Dermatologist (including our providers) recommend annual skin exams. These visits are covered by insurance and are key in preventing skin cancer development and/or death. No one is "too young" to begin their annual skin exams and we recommend that if you have not seen a Dermatologist for your exam that it is time to do so.

Our Dermatologists are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to help you, call (404) 296-8000 to schedule or visit our website for more information.

We are offering a FREE Skin Cancer Screening at our office on Wednesday, October 17 from 11am-1pm. This screening is not to replace your recommended annual skin cancer exam but if you have questions or would like a specific spot to be looked at this is a great way to get that checked out.
For more information or to RSVP to our Free Skin Cancer Screening call (404) 296-8000. 

Office Address: 2171 Northlake Pkwy Bldg. 3 Suite 100 Tucker, GA 30084

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Written by Mackenzie, Marketing Manager

Why Mackenzie Loves Working in Dermatology

As the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery for over two years now, I thought I might share why I LOVE working in Dermatology. In order for me to explain this to you, I think I have to start with the basics. 

My name is Mackenzie Stratton, I grew up in Northern Virginia right outside of Washington, DC and decided to pack up my car and take a trip 9.5 hours south to THE Georgia Southern University (GO EAGLES!). While at GSU I majored in Public Relations.  Public Relations was a perfect choice for me because I got to spend most of my time writing and getting to be creative... and I got to avoid most things science related (Yuck! Who likes science, right? Only doctors...)

After college I landed an amazing opportunity to work as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Quickly, I learned that Dermatologists do more than look at pimples all day and there was a lot more to the experts at this office than zapping zits away. I also learned that there is a lot more to doctors than just liking science. 

Dr. Cooper instantly amazed me with his knowledge of skin cancer and even more his ability to perform flawless skin cancer surgery, to remove skin cancer. It’s obvious that his patients are amazed too, as he has been providing patients in Atlanta with Dermatology care for over 40 years, something that few Doctors can proudly say. Beyond this, I have loved learning the importance behind what the dermatologists here do (and even a little bit about the Science behind it). They provide patients with valuable information on how to protect their skin from the dangers of Skin Cancer. Who would have thought wearing the always annoying, sunscreen, daily, can actually not only keep you protected from harmful rays, but also keep your skin protected from age spots & wrinkles (makes sunscreen not such a pain, don’t ya think?).

Growing up I was always teased for my Casper-like pale skin. But, what is my favorite part of working in Dermatology, you ask? It’s simple… at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery it’s COOL to be pale and trust me I’m about as Cool as it gets. I've learned that the tanning bed is BAD! Did you know that people who use the tanning bed, just ONE time, before they are 35-years-old, increase their risk for Melanoma by 75 percent? As a girl with Casper-like skin, I don’t like those chances.

Another big thing I've learned through working at a Dermatologist’s office is the importance of an annual skin exam. Until I worked here, I always thought of the Dermatologist as a place you don’t go to unless you have a rash that won’t disappear, struggle with acne or you have a scary mole that needs to be handled. I can probably think of maybe a couple times in my entire life that I had been to the dermatologist before I started working here (and now I go to the dermatologist… 5 days a week) and that was because my mom MADE me. What I've learned is that dermatologists recommend yearly skin checks. This is not to keep business popping in Dermatologist offices but it’s because the risk of skin cancer is rapidly increasing. In the past three decades the number of patients diagnosed with Skin Cancer was greater than every other type of Cancer, combined. I’m not telling you this to scare you (well I kind of am) but really I just want you to be aware of how important it is for you, your friends and your children to make nice with a dermatologist and get yourself checked, yearly. I promise, dermatologists don’t bite.

I am incredibly thankful for my experiences thus-far as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery and even more thankful for the opportunity to work at a place where Pale is the NEW TAN!

For more information on Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery or anything dermatology related, give us a call: (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

Truth.

Know Your Skin Cancer Facts

ABC's of Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. In fact, rates of Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, have climbed by 800 percent among young women and 400 percent among young men, in the past 40 years.

The Skin Cancer Foundation credits tanning beds to be a possible reason for the spike in melanoma among young women. Indoor tanning bed users are subjecting themselves to a greatly likelihood of developing Melanoma and other forms of skin cancers. Indoor tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned before, 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carinomias, all potentially deadly forms of skin cancer.

 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery's dermatologists recommend annual skin exams as an aid to monitor sun spots, moles and suscipious lesions. Patients should also monitor their skin in between skin exams to watch for any changes in moles, these changes could be in size, shape or color.

 

There are many preventative measures patients should take in order to help protect their skin from sun damage and skin cancer. These measures include: daily sunscreen to be apply on all sun exposed areas, monthly self skin checks and wearing proper hats and spf clothing to protect skin when sun exposure can not be avoided.

 

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is committed to promoting skin cancer awareness and often sponor Free Skin Cancer Screenings at our office or nearby locations. During the free skin cancer screenings we are able to look at the areas that are most popularly touched by the skin to look for any spots that may be of concern. If an area is found, we recommend the patient to schedule a follow up appointment to have the area looked at more in depth and possibly removed for biopsy.

 

Skin Cancer effects everyone, as Melanoma is the 5th and 6th most common cancer among men and women, respectively. Don't forget to schedule you annual skin exam with your dermatologist and to spread the importance of mointoring and protecting your skin.

 

For more information on skin checks, skin cancer awareness or Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, call (404) 296-8000, visit our website: www.atlantadermatologyexperts.com , follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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Written by: Mackenzie Stratton, Marketing Manager, Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery