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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