Looking Toward the Future
“The number of skin cancer cases has been increasing over the years,” says Hendi. “But that is because we are treating cases caused by sun damage from 10, 20 or 30 years ago. We hope to see fewer cases in the future because of greater awareness of the importance of sun protection and educational outreach. But it’s too soon to see a decline in cases yet. It may take 10 years or more.”
“I think that education and awareness are making an impact,” adds Saini. “But some patients, usually women between the ages of 19 and 30, are still adamant about tanning. Hopefully, with continued education, we’ll see this trend reverse. If we continue to raise awareness about skin cancer and educate patients about sun safety, we can definitely make a difference.”
Lisa Lewis is a freelance writer in Annapolis and regular contributor to Chesapeake Family magazine.
