MoleSafe program for melanoma now available in New Jersey

Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers and will affect more than one million Americans this year. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer,will take the lives of nearly 9,000 Americans this year. By now, most of us know to cover up with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing when we are exposed to the sun.And hopefully, none of us would even consider using a tanning bed,where UV rays are equivalent to or more dangerous than rays from the sun.

Technological advances in cancer detection continue to help diagnose skin cancer early on,when it is most treatable and before it can spread to other parts of the body.This month is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and a perfect opportunity to discuss an important new technology that is available right here in our community. CentraState Medical Center is the first hospital in the state of New Jersey to offer the new MoleSafe program, a pain-free, full-body skin imaging system that can detect early melanomas and other skin cancers.

The MoleSafe process begins with a non-invasive, head-to-toe visual skin examination followed by the use of digital imagery and scanning technology called a melanogram. Essentially, the melanogram takes images of the entire span of skin, which includes mapping of each mole and skin growth. MoleSafe is more accurate than just a standard visual inspection because the melanogram can detect sub-surface features and changes in existing moles and also identify new moles.This electronic record is evaluated by a dermoscopist, a specially trained melanoma dermatologist who will diagnose any areas of concern. These recorded images are then stored to allow comparisons with future scans, in the same way a patient’s baseline mammogram is used to compare to future mammographies.The initial consultation and photography typically takes about an hour.

The MoleSafe program is especially recommended for patients with a family history or previous diagnosis of skin cancer; who experienced blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence; frequented tanning beds; or fair-skinned people with light- colored eyes. In addition, anyone who has identified unusual, changing or bleeding moles should also seek medical attention immediately.

A free skin cancer screening will be held May 19, 4–5:30 p.m., at the Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center, CentraState Medical Center.To preregister, call 732-308-0570. For more information about CentraState’s MoleSafe program, visit www.centrastate.com or call 866-CENTRA7 (236-8727).

Dr. Kaufman is a board-certified, general and laparoscopic surgeon on staff at CentraState Medical Center. He is the New Jersey state chairman, Commission on Cancer, American College of Surgeons. He also chairs the N.J. Melanoma Work Group of the New Jersey Governor’s Task Force on Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment. He can be reached at Advanced Surgical Associates of Central Jersey by calling 732-303-3837.