Q: Dear Dr. O’Donoghue, I see a lot in the news about Botox® – is it safe? – Linda, Boca Raton, FL.

A: Dear Linda,

Over 1.6 million people chose to have Botox® Cosmetic injections in 2008, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, Botox® is growing faster than any other cosmetic procedure. It is the most safe and effective way to treat lines and wrinkles of the forehead and crows feet. 

It must be administered appropriately by a licensed and professional; individual, so make sure you ask the person performing the procedure how man y patients they have treated, what medical training they have, and what are the possible side effects.

Q: Dear Dr. O’Donoghue, I am overwhelmed by the variety of sunscreens available, which is best?- JP

A: Dear JP – Look for sun blocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which are ingredients not easily broken down by the sun.  These also protect your skin from harmful UVA sunrays which are the main cause of melanoma.

Encourage Elderly Family Members to Examine Their Skin

Based on current estimates, substantially more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is being diagnosed more rapidly in men age 65 and older than in the general population. A history of exposure to UV rays is a risk factor for skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people lovingly remind their elderly family members to perform a skin self-examination for suspicious moles that could be skin cancer.

The Academy has created several tools to make it easy to determine if a mole is suspicious and should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention. The Academy’s Body Mole Map is a tool individuals can use to track their moles. The map provides information on how to perform a skin exam, images of the ABCDEs of melanoma and space for people to track their moles to determine any changes over time.

Spring Swing – Moffitt’s Sun Safety Tour – is a partnership between the Tampa Bay Rays and Moffitt Cancer Center dedicated to increasing skin cancer awareness, prevention and detection.

Moffitt Cancer Center’s Mole Patrol®  will travel with the Rays during the month of March to provide free skin cancer screenings at select Spring Training games in search of the early signs of skin cancer, promoting sun safety and skin cancer education.

The 2008 campaign kicked off in St. Petersburg on March 1 at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field. Sam Donaldson (pictured, right), veteran ABC newsman,  melanoma survivor and chairman of Moffitt’s Board of Advisors, threw out the first pitch.

Click here  for more information about the 2009 Spring Swing schedule.

Several of Moffitt’s Affiliate Hospitals will be assisting with the on-site screenings and education initiatives, including:

o Broward Health
o Martin Memorial Health Systems
o Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
o Riverchase Dermatology 

Melanoma Facts

• Florida has the second-most reported cases of melanoma nationwide.

• Skin cancer is one of the most common and fastest growing cancers in the United States.

• Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

• It is estimated that nearly 1 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in 2007, approximately 60,000 of those cases were a form of melanoma.

• Skin cancer can show up anywhere on the body.

• Skin cancer affects all races, ages and genders.

Source:  American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2007

Sun Safety Tips

• Avoid unprotected exposure when the sun is at