12th Annual Focus on Melanoma Conference at UPenn

I traveled to Philadelphia to attend the  Focus on Melanoma Conference put on by Penn Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center. It was my first experience doing such a thing and it was well worth it!  A panel of Doctors spoke on Melanoma research , the latest advances in Melanoma therapy and treatment plans.  In addition, they shared facts and myths regarding ultraviolet light and sun protection and sun cancer prevention.




Here are some new and developing Research and Treatments:

Precision Medicine:  working on individualized treatment for a patient based on personal characteristics in DNA. Personalized diagnostic testing helps researchers to treat your cancer at a genetic level.

Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Ones own immune system helps fight off cancer cells.

Target Therapy is used with medicines designed with the goal of destroying cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

Integrative Oncology is a non traditional approach to  medicine.  Combine non-traditional and traditional therapy to treat cancer.  Looking at the Body/Mind connection and how our thoughts affect our body.  (Acupuncture, Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Weight lifting)

Nine(9) drugs in the last five(5) years have been approved for melanoma treatment through clinical trials at U Penn.

Here are the Facts:

74,000 people are estimated to be diagnosed with Melanoma in 2015.
88% of people find skin cancer on their own or by a partner.  Do monthly skin checks!
26% of Melanoma develop from existing moles that change.  Do monthly skin checks!
Women tend to develop melanoma on lower legs, feet, hands and on the right side of their face and neck due to being a passenger in a car.
Men tend to develop melanoma on the trunk of their bodies and the left side of their face and neck  due to driving in a car.
Not all Melanoma is caused by the Sun. Currently a  15 month old is being treated at UPenn.  (Melanoma can develop in eyes, digestive tract, genitals, under the nails, or even in the mouth) Do monthly skin checks!
UVA causes skin aging.   UVB contributes to cancer.  Strongest UVB 10-2pm
Tanning beds are classified in the same cancer risk category as tobacco, arsenic and asbestos.
Using a tanning bed before the age of 30 increases your risk by 75%.
Wear sunscreen...broad spectrum...find the one you like and apply generously.  Most people apply less then recommended and are not fully protected.

Bottom line....Protect yourself from the fastest growing cancer...Be Sun Smart, protect your skin.

I walked away from the conference with hope and with more passion to educate others.  Let's do this!

Life is Good!   Mary