{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.025131502045587374, 'fraction_numerical': 0.004675628287551139, 'mean_word_length': 5.092526690391459, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Melanoma and other skin neoplasms.

In general, it is hoped that prevention and earlier diagnosis of cancer will lead to decreased mortality rates. This is particularly true for malignant melanoma, for which there is strong epidemiologic data that skin cancer is associated with ultraviolet radiation from the sun [1,2••]. Strategies that limit overall exposure to the sun and also minimize the burning effects of the sun should reduce the incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers. However, it has been difficult to prove that regular use of sunscreen lotions can protect against melanoma. This is in part due to several confounding factors in the epidemiologic studies conducted to date. In particular, those with a history of sunburns are subsequently more likely to use sunscreens, and ongoing sunscreen use may appear as a risk factor; however, the real cause would be prior excessive sun exposure. In addition, it is also important to carefully evaluate the type of sunscreen use. Until recently, the majority of sunscreen products were effective in protecting against only ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Newer sunscreen lotions also protect against UVA radiation, though with variable effectiveness. In this issue, Martin Weinstock (pp 159–162) reviews the optimal usage of sunscreens to prevent sunburns and the controversy on the utility of sunscreens to reduce the risk of melanoma. The article concludes that the slogan “Slip! Slop! Slap!” (slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen, slap on the hat) remains a reasonable strategy for skin cancer prevention, although more carefully conducted studies are needed to address the overall benefit of sunscreen use in individuals who at risk for melanoma.