Protecting skin from sun

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 76,000 cases of melanoma, which the ACS says is the most serious form of skin cancer, are expected to be diagnosed this year. The Skin Cancer Society says one in five people will develop some form of skin cancer in his or her lifetime.

Those statistics, has Dr. Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, a Woodmere dermatologist, reminding people to take the steps for skin protection.

“Seek shade whenever possible,” she said. “Remember, the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen to withstand water exposure, and reapply it when needed.”

Rozenberg, who began her medical career as a family practice physician in 2002, retrained two years ago to become a dermatologist. “I chose to practice dermatology because I love the ability to help people feel better about their appearance,” she said. “Whether it’s medically or cosmetically, I’m helping people to show their best selves to the world.”

One challenge Rozenberg faces in her work is the patients’ lack of awareness to the dangers of skin cancer. “Chronic skin conditions can affect a patient’s life inward and outwardly,” she said. “More teens and young adults especially, they need to understand the dangers of overexposure to the sun. They don’t realize the urgency in needing to wear sunscreen or in avoiding using tanning beds at their young ages.”

There is help for diagnosing skin cancer early and tools available to do so. MelaFind, one technology Rozenberg uses, examines skin just below its surface. “It’s for questionable moles,” she said. “For an out-and-out lesion, it can’t be used. For a poorly-healing area, I use the machine for further, in depth look. It measures the range, and whatever the mole registers, the MelaFind aids in diagnosing its danger to the patient.”

In addition to Rozenberg’s efforts, the Town of Hempstead began a “Don’t Get ‘Burned,’” campaign this summer, encouraging residents to participate in its skin cancer prevention program.

The program is a partnership between the town and St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and local pharmacists. A pamphlet, “The Guide to Sun Safety,” and sunscreen are being distributed at all Town of Hempstead beaches and pools this summer.

Supervisor Kate Murray reaffirmed the need for the program. “Many of us wait all year to enjoy the soothing sun,” she said at a press conference at Lido Beach on July 1. “Beaches, pools, ball fields and parks are popular settings when the sky is blue and the sun is shining, but fun in the sun must always be accompanied by protection from potentially deadly ultraviolet rays.”

Gary Corn, pharmacy manager for King Kullen supermarkets, provided some tips that for protection against the sun. “Everyone is at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers,” he said at the press conference. “Wearing hats, shirts, eyeglasses and the proper choice and use of sunscreens and sunblocks are essential for avoiding the hazards of sun exposure.”