October 17, 2019 – Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation “1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.” Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat skin cancer early. But knowledge is the best defense for your patient.

On October 8, MDedge Dermatology hosted a conversation on Twitter at #MDedgeChats with three dermatologists, Dr. Candrice Heath, Dr. Anthony Rossi, and Dr. Julie Amthor Croley. The conversation covered trending dermatology topics such as sunscreen, melanoma, and treating skin of color patients.

Throughout the conversation, physicians encouraged participants to use sunscreen daily. “SPF of 15 for daily use! Daily means all seasons! Nonmelanoma cancers are associated with cumulative sun exposure. Melanomas tend to be associated with intense, intermittent sun exposure/sunburns,” said Dr. David Henry, a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and vice chairman of the department of medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He is also the host of the MDedge podcast Blood & Cancer.

“One common misconception amongst patients is that there is only one type of skin cancer. Oftentimes, this singular skin cancer is referred to as ‘melanoma.’ In reality, there are dozens of types of skin cancers, originating from different cell types within the skin,” said Dr. Julie Amthor Croley, Chief Dermatology Resident at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, and recurring host of the resident takeover edition of the MDedge podcast Dermatology Weekly.

Read more of the physicians' responses on page 2. The following is an edited version of the discussion.

“One common misconception amongst patients is that there is only one type of skin cancer.”~ Dr. Julie Amthor Croley

“Melanoma incidence is associated with increased UV index and lower latitude in non-Hispanic whites. UVA and UVB protection is important because of this.”~ Dr. Anthony Rossi

“Melanoma commonly occurs in sun-exposed areas in whites but in non-sun-exposed areas in people of color.”~ Dr. Candrice Heath

“When BCC and SCC occur in people of color, the lesions may be pigmented and thus look different. #Skinofcolor education for dermatologists is important.”~ Dr. Candrice Heath

“SPF of 15 for daily use! Daily means all seasons! Nonmelanoma cancers are associated with cumulative sun exposure. Melanomas tend to be associated with intense, intermittent sun exposure/sunburns.”~ Dr. David Henry

MDedge Dermatology Twitter Chat Recap