Campaign and New Website www.spotsignsofAK.com Launched Today During American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
WILMINGTON, Mass., March 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dermatology company DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.® (Nasdaq:DUSA), introduced an actinic keratosis (AK) awareness campaign called "Spot Signs of AK" at the American Academy of Dermatology 70th Annual Meeting in San Diego, California today. The goal of the campaign is to inform people about the dangers of cumulative sun damage and how it can cause AKs—a precancerous skin condition. AKs have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer. While most AKs remain benign, approximately 10 percent develop into SCC within an average of two years. The campaign was spearheaded with the launch of a new website, www.spotsignsofAK.com.
"People often mistakenly assume that AKs are sun spots, when in reality they are a precancerous condition that requires the care of a physician," said Ellen Marmur, MD, FAAD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery, The Mount Sinai Medical Center. "Since there is no way to know ahead of time which AKs will become cancerous, frequent skin examinations are the key to early detection, prevention and treatment. This campaign is designed to help people learn to spot the signs of AKs and encourage them to talk with their dermatologist about their personal risk."
"It is estimated that 58 million Americans have AKs1, and we want to help make them aware of the dangers they can pose," says Bob Doman, President and Chief Executive Officer of DUSA. "Throughout the course of the year, DUSA will spearhead a number of initiatives to raise awareness about AKs, sun safety, skin cancer prevention and early detection. We encourage people to visit www.spotsignsofAK.com and to stay tuned for additional activities throughout the year that will help them learn to spot the signs of AKs and best protect their skin."
Many Americans are aware of the dangers of excessive sun exposure, but not as many realize that the damaging effects of the sun are cumulative. AKs can develop over time before becoming a problem. Years of simple outdoor activities can add up to a significant amount of sun exposure and lead to AKs. AKs are most often found on the face, scalp and ears and generally begin as rough spots of skin that may be easier felt than seen. Common complaints include a lesion that has increased in size or one that is raised, bleeding, poor in healing, discolored or associated with discomfort such as pain or itching.
While a lesion may initially appear skin colored to pink, red or brown, lesions on darker skin may be more pigmented. AKs may feel soft, rough or "gritty," but in any case, they feel different from the surrounding healthy skin. Because there are many clinical variants of AKs, awareness and early detection are important for determining the best course of treatment if necessary.
To learn more about AKs, people can visit www.spotsignsofAK.com, which includes information about what AKs are, how to prevent and spot them, and potential treatment options. Visitors will also find useful tools like a dermatologist locator to help locate a dermatologist in their community and a discussion guide to bring to an appointment.
About Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
Often called "sun spots," AKs are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin that are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) such as sunlight and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)—the second most common skin cancer. They occur most often on the face, scalp and ears. They can range in color from skin toned to reddish brown. They can be as small as a pinhead or larger than a quarter. While most AKs remain benign, approximately 10 percent develop into SCC within an average of two years. Since there is no way to know ahead of time which ones will become cancerous, it is very important to seek a dermatologist's care. Frequent skin examinations are the key to early detection and prevention. Up to 58 million people in the United States have AKs.
About DUSA
DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated dermatology pharmaceutical company based in Wilmington, Mass. For more information, please visit our website at www.dusapharma.com.
About Ellen Marmur, MD, FAAD
Dr. Ellen Marmur is an Associate Professor and was promoted to Vice Chair, Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery in 2011 after having been the first woman Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City for 7 years. Dr. Marmur specializes in skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer surgery, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, and women's health dermatology. For more information, please visit www.ellenmarmur.com.
1Lewin Group. Burden of Skin Diseases. 2005.