The American Academy of Dermatology has reported progress in creating a vaccine against Melanoma. Richard Vile author of Nature Biotechnology says, “We believe that this new techniuqe will help us to identify a whole new set of genes that encode antigens that are important in stimulating the immune system to reject cancer.” (AAD Daily, 3/23/12). At present, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012, according to The American Cancer Society.

Warthan Dermatology Center encourages you to be sun smart! Wear a sunscreen everyday on your face, chest, arms, and other areas that are exposed to the sun. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. When you are in the sun for a prolonged period of time, make sure you are wearing a wide brimmed hat to limit exposure to your face, ears, neck, and chest. We also recommend that everyone receive a skin check once a year!