New Study Says Purported Melanoma Epidemic is Vastly ... ( British Journal of Dermatology study ...)

New Study Says Purported Melanoma Epidemic is Vastly Overstated

Date:6/22/2009

British Journal of Dermatology study blames physician misdiagnosis as the likely cause of apparent uptick in melanoma cases

WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A newly released study in the June 2009 British Journal of Dermatology that reviews data from a 13-year period in the eastern United Kingdom has concluded that the much-hyped melanoma "epidemic" is unlikely to be real.

The study attributed the increase in melanoma diagnoses to heightened sensitivity and caution on the side of doctors in classifying benign tumors as melanoma. "Dermatologists, pathologists and other medical practitioners have become more cautious in the last two decades, as the consequences of a wrong diagnosis have become more pervasive," the authors wrote in their analysis of the data.

"[T]he present findings make it extremely unlikely that the reported large increase in the incidence of melanoma is real," the authors concluded.

The increase in reported cases was found almost entirely in Stage 1 melanoma, an early stage of the cancer. Patients treated for Stage 1 have the highest survival rate over time as compared to later stages. However, the study found that the overall mortality rate from melanoma only increased slightly over the period.

The study's authors strongly cautioned against creating panic and excessive anxiety about melanoma rates. "Until the necessary research is done, and the true story is established...encouragement of public anxiety about a melanoma epidemic and excessive avoidance of solar exposure for its prevention is unjustifiable."

"For years the Dermatology and sun-scare community -- typically people who are positioned to make a profit by scaring people away from Ultraviolet (UV) light -- have been using increased melanoma rates as 'proof' that people ought to stay out of the sun," said John Overstreet, Executive Director of the Indoor Tanning Associ
'/>"/>

4

GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. VA Launches 10-Year Health Study of 60,000 New Veterans
2. Alterations in brains white matter key to schizophrenia, UCLA study shows
3. Fish protein link to controlling high blood pressure -- new study
4. Redesigned Corporate Identity and nowEDC Software Upgrade Reflect Datatrials Commitment To Stress Free Study Delivery
5. Statins can protect against Alzheimers disease, according to new study
6. Major study highlights weight differences among 3-19 year-olds with type 1 and 2 diabetes
7. Horse Study: RBC Life Sciences Antioxidant, Microhydrin, Reduced Lactic Acid Buildup and Improved Hydration During Strenuous Exercise
8. HealthLeaders-InterStudy Unveils Enhanced Employer Vantage
9. Thomson Reuters Study Finds Baby Boomers and Generation X Face Healthcare Cost Hurdles
10. Study finds cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in individuals with schizophrenia
11. Study finds that tobacco companies changed design of cigarettes without alerting smokers

Post Your Comments:

New Study Says Purported Melanoma Epidemic is Vastly ...( British Journal of Dermatology study ...),Health