Reaffirming a previous study that shows golfers face heightened risks of developing skin cancer,California volunteer dermatologists representing the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) identified a significant number of potential skin cancers within the tournament golf community, referring 26% of people screened for further diagnosis at the recent Long's Drugs LPGA Challenge at the Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, CA. Drawing from WDS members throughout the state, 13 Board- certified dermatologists conducted five days of free skin cancer screenings, including private screenings for 13 members of the media, 42 LPGA TOUR members and caddies plus three days for tournament spectators and volunteers. 55 of 208 golf enthusiasts screened were referred for further diagnosis/biopsy of suspicious sites presumptively diagnosed as skin cancers, including two possible melanomas, and sites that suggest the earliest stage of cancer.

WDS volunteers also distributed 7,500 free sunscreen samples and skin cancer prevention educational materials throughout the tournament community.

The "Play Safe in the Sun" Skin Cancer screenings were co- hosted by WDS members Allison Metz, MD, cosmetic dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente (San Francisco) and private practice dermatologist Wendy Roberts, MD, (Rancho Mirage), Chair of the "Play Safe in the Sun" Initiative, who has led this national effort from its inception in March 2004 to its eighth successful event.

California dermatologists who donated their time for the WDS screenings and sun safety educational outreach included: Maryam Asgari, MD; Greta Clark, MD; Pat Engasser, MD; Ann Haas, MD; Allison Metz, MD; Paradi Mirmirani, MD; Khanh Nguyen, MD; Tomi Pandolino, MD; Maggie Parsons, MD; Wendy Roberts, MD; Beth Ruben, MD; Kathleen Ting, MD; and Daniel Wall, MD. Volunteer support was also provided by Catie Davis and Galderma representatives Tara Bonney, Allison Dreher and Courtney Maxwell.

The "Play Safe in the Sun" skin cancer screenings are presented to the public at a time when skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with a projected 1.3 million new diagnoses expected in 2006. Melanoma is the leading form of cancer for women ages 25-29. One American dies every 68 minutes from melanoma.

The Women's Dermatologic Society recommends that people of all ages and skin types take daily precautions to protect the skin from the heightened risks of prolonged sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun is the primary and most preventable cause of skin cancer, so individuals are urged to make the commitment to safeguard their health on a year-round basis. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends:

(1) Regular visits to your dermatologist;

(2) Liberal application of a high SPF, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body and face, with re-application every two hours;

(3) Wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses;

(4) Sun avoidance during peak hours.

The WDS "Play Safe in the Sun" campaign at LPGA tournaments recently received the prestigious national award, the Gold Triangle, from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The recent Skin Cancer Screenings are part of the AAD's National Skin Cancer Volunteer Screening Initiative.