Top news for Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Smoking, dupilumab, life expectancy, more

As April is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Healio has compiled the top skin cancer news and stories from 2024.

Studies regarding the affects of smoking on melanoma survival, dupilumab’s association with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma development and the total life expectancy associated with skin cancer led this year’s list:

Smoking status associated with melanoma survival

A February study by Katherine M. Jackson, MD, of the department of surgical oncology at St. John's Cancer Institute, and colleagues found that patients with melanoma who smoke have a higher risk for melanoma-related death. Read more.

Dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis linked to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma development

Researchers conducted a study confirming the potential association between dupilumab and the increased risk for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in patients taking the drug for atopic dermatitis. Read more.

Cutaneous melanoma diagnosis may impact total life expectancy

Patients with stage II or III cutaneous melanoma lost a total of 2,209 and 1,902 life-years, respectively, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers suggested that evaluating the loss of life expectancy among patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma may help establish a lifetime prognosis. Read more.

Intralesional immunotherapy shows potential for treating various skin cancers

At the ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference, Vishal A. Patel, MD, discussed how intralesional immunotherapy has potential as a treatment for cutaneous malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancer. Read more.

Military members, veterans face increased risk for melanoma

In March, the American Academy of Dermatology released a press release stating that U.S. military members face an increased risk of developing melanoma if they are stationed in a location close to the equator or serve in the Air Force. Read more.

2-GEP test rules out melanoma in real-world study

The noninvasive 2-gene expression profiling assay test has the ability to rule out melanoma with a negative predictive value over 99%, according to a real-world study presented at the Winter Clinical Conference. Read more.

After stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, treatment, William Shatner shares new outlook on life

At the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, William Shatner, most famously known for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, vividly recounted the moment he learned a simple lump under his right ear, initially dismissed, was in fact cancer, and how concern from a caring physician likely saved his life. Read more.

Melanoma cases rise despite unchanging mortality rate

Researchers have identified an inexplicable rise of melanoma incidences, despite an unchanging mortality rate. While linked to an increase in biopsies, the rising melanoma rates are not associated with any other factor. Read more.

Cryosurgery, topical 5-fluorouracil treatment may be effective for low-risk skin cancer

According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, combination cryosurgery and topical 5-fluorouracil may be a better treatment alternative to invasive procedures for patients with low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer. Read more.

Yes, you can sunburn during an eclipse: Dermatologist discusses skin safety for rare event

Prior to the 2024 total solar eclipse that traversed many states in the U.S., Healio spoke with Allison Arthur, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at the Sand Lake Dermatology Center, about how it is equally important for individuals to protect their skin as well as their eyes while viewing this natural spectacle. Read more.