Skin cancers are extremely common. In fact, they are the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States every year. Plastic Surgeons are often asked to excise these malignancies and/or perform reconstructions.

In the case of Jerry Brown, the Governor of California, a basal cell carcinoma was removed by his dermatologist and a reconstruction performed by a plastic surgeon this week according to multiple published reports. I removed two skin cancers from patients in my New Jersey plastic surgery office this past week! This is a common problem!

I take this opportunity to discuss some statistics from the CDC regarding skin cancer in New Jersey:

– In a survey about 5 years ago, 40% of New Jersey adults admitted to a sunburn in the last year.
– An estimated 2530 New Jersey residents were diagnosed with melanoma in 2009 with nearly 245 people dying from melanoma in New Jersey yearly.
– Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

Suggestions that make sense and save lives:
– Do not sunburn!
– Ultraviolet UV light from tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. As a plastic surgeon in New Jersey who treats both skin cancer and wrinkling, it is hard for me to understand why women continue to use tanning beds
– Use Sunscreen generously. We have several different types available in our office and the aestheticians are more than happy to discuss the importance.
– Cover up with protective clothing and hats when possible!

The weather is finally beautiful out there! Enjoy, but be careful!