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Page Background www.theconnectionsnj.com FOCUS ON SKIN CANCER AWARENESS By: Rebecca Lu, MD, Elite SkinMD Mohs and Dermatologic Surgeon Nearly 5 million people each year are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. This is more than the incidence of breast, colon, prostate, and lung can- cer combined. A recent study in the Archives of Dermatology found that there has been a 300 percent rise in skin cancer incidence since 1994, mak- ing skin cancer an epidemic that deserves more awareness. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squa- mous cell carcinoma (SCC), are the most common forms of skin cancer. These types of skin cancer rarely become life threatening, but can be locally destructive and disfiguring if left untreated. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. While it accounts for less than 2 percent of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the vast majority of deaths due to skin cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 10,000 people are esti- mated to die from melanoma in the U.S. in 2015. It is also the most com- mon cancer in adults 25-29 years old and second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Fortunately, when detected early, melanoma is highly curable. More recently, an association has been found between breast cancer and melanoma. People with a history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing melanoma and vice versa. Although the reason for this is not completely clear, it is likely due to mul- tiple factors. It would make sense for those with a history of breast cancer to get checked for skin cancer annually. Early Detection and Warning Signs Regular monthly self-exams, along with annual skin exams by a dermatol- ogist, are key to early detection. Those with a history of skin cancer may require semi-annual or even more fre- quent skin exams. Because the 3 major types of skin can- cer present in different ways, it is important to look for early warning signs. See a dermatologist or a physi- cian that specializes in skin diseases if you notice any of these red flags. • Look for changes of any kind, especially a growth that increases in size, appears pearly, translucent, crusty, scaly, tan, brown, black, or multicolored • A sore or pimple-like growth that does that heal within 3 weeks • A growth or spot that bleeds easily, ulcerates, continues to itch, hurt, bleed, crust, scab, erode • ABCDEs of melanoma: A symmetri- cal; B order that is irregular; C olor that is of varying shades of tan, brown, black or even red, white, and blue; D iameter that is larger than a pencil eraser (but may be smaller), E volving or changing in size, color, shape, elevation, sensa- tion, symptoms, or another trait • Do not ignore a suspicious growth just because it does not hurt - skin cancers may be painless For step by step self-exam instructions, please see the American Academy of Dermatology website or the Skin Can- cer Foundation website. If you notice a suspicious growth or spot, please see your dermatologist or physician. Dr. Rebecca Lu is a highly skilled board- certified dermatologist and fellowship- trained Mohs surgeon with an office located at 7 Mt Bethel Rd in Warren, NJ, where she specializes in skin cancer treatments, Mohs surgery, and laser and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Lu is pas- sionate about keeping your skin healthy, clear, and radiant. In addition to treating and diagnosing skin can- cers, Dr. Lu also specializes in reversing the signs of aging and sun damage through different procedures and treat- ments. Dr. Lu and her staff are happy to see you for any of your skin concerns. Please call 908-787-8088 for an appointment. www.eliteskinmd.com Before Clear + Brilliant 1 Month After 6 Treatments Before Isolaz After 6 Treatments Before Fraxel 1927/1550 1 Month After 3 Treatments Before After Before After Clear + Brilliant indications for use: Dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue and general skin resurfacing procedures. Talk to your doctor for more infor- mation about Clear + Brilliant, and see www.clearandbrilliant.com for additional details. Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 indications for use: 1550 nm: The Fraxel 1550 nm laser is indicated for use in dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue, as well as for skin resurfacing procedures. It is also indicated for treatment of dyschromia and cutaneous lesions, such as, but not limited to lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), actinic keratosis, and melasma, and for treatment of periorbital wrinkles, acne scars and surgical scars. 1927 nm: The Fraxel 1927 laser is indicated for use in dermatological procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue, treatment of actinic keratosis and treatment of pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots) and ephelides (freckles). Talk to your doctor for more information about Fraxel, and see www.fraxel.com for additional details. Isolaz indications for use: The treatment of mild to moderate acne, including pustular acne, comedonal acne and mild to moderate inflammatory acne (acne vulgaris) in all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI). Talk to your doctor for more information about Fraxel, and see www.fraxel.com for additional details. ®/TM are trademarks of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. or its affiliates. Any other product or brand names and logos are the prop- erty of their respective owners. • Skin cancer screenings and treatment • Mohs Surgery • Fraxel® laser skin treatments for a younger looking you • Clear +Brilliant® laser to help prevent the signs of aging • Isolaz® system for the treatment of acne • Botox, facial fillers, laser hair removal, and photofacials • Plus all the most advanced skin care procedures, products, and treatments from a caring staff in a state of the art office! Dr. Rebecca Lu is a Board-Certi- fied Dermatologist and Fellow- ship-Trained Mohs Surgeon specializing in the treatment of skin cancer, laser surgery, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation. She has performed thousands of surgeries and has a reputa- tion for excellence. 7 Mt. Bethel Road, Warren, NJ 07059 We are in the same building as Coldwell Banker (across from Starbucks) 908-787-8088 • eliteskinmd.com All Before and After photos have not been retouched. Individual results may vary based on the aggressiveness of treatment and skin condition. Clear + Brilliant helps prevent the signs of aging and improve skin tone and enlarged pores: • Visibly illuminated skin tone • Renewed, ultra-soft and smoother texture • Naturally radiant and glowing skin • Improved tone, texture and radiance Isolaz is a unique acne treatment: • Helps remove dirt, blackheads, dead cells and excess oils • Reduces the appearance of pores • Improves skin tone and texture Fraxel can help: • Improve skin tone and texture • Reduce wrinkles around the eyes • Lighten brown spots • Improve the appearance of acne scars and surgical scars Laser Hair Removal: • Permanently decrease the hair growth on your face or body with a series of treatments • Suitable for all skin types • Vacuum-assisted technoloy is fast and nearly painless Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): • A laser photorejuventation treatment for brown spots, redness, broken capillaries, sun damage and more. Call now for an appointment! 908-787-8088 We Now Offer Laser Tattoo Removal

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