Pursuit of Wellness: Skin Cancer (The Truth) with Dr. Teo Soleymani

Host: Mari Llewellyn
Guest: Dr. Teo Soleymani
Release Date: December 2, 2024

1. Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn sits down with Dr. Teo Soleymani, a Stanford-trained, double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained skin cancer and facial reconstructive surgeon. The discussion delves deep into the intricacies of skin health, focusing on skin cancer prevention, detection, and overall skin wellness.

2. Dr. Teo Soleymani's Journey into Dermatology

Mari Llewellyn (B) initiates the conversation by highlighting Dr. Teo's impressive credentials.

Mari (01:42): "You have a very impressive resume... Stanford trained double board certified dermatologist and fellowship trained skin cancer and facial reconstructive surgeon."

Dr. Teo Soleymani (A) shares her unconventional path to dermatology, initially training in neurosurgery before pivoting to a field that allowed greater work-life balance and aligned better with her interests in cancer biology and surgical work.

Dr. Teo (02:38): "I started in brain surgery... realized I wanted to have a family more than I wanted to be in the hospital."

She emphasizes the importance of dermatology in allowing her to engage with patients on a more personal level, particularly through skin assessments that reflect broader health issues.

3. Changes in Skin Cancer Research

Dr. Teo discusses the alarming rise of skin cancer cases among young adults, a trend that contradicts past assumptions linking skin cancer primarily to older populations and excessive sun exposure.

Dr. Teo (04:16): "There's an alarming rate of skin cancer in young adults... this is no longer true."

She points out that many melanomas in young individuals occur in sun-protected areas, indicating factors beyond just sun exposure, such as environmental triggers and genetic predispositions.

4. Misconceptions About Skin Cancer

A significant portion of the discussion centers on common misunderstandings surrounding skin cancer. Dr. Teo debunks myths such as:

• Myth: Skin cancer is predominantly an issue for the elderly.
  Dr. Teo (06:42): "It's not a problem of the elderly. Most of my patients who die of melanoma are young adults."

• Myth: Sun exposure is the sole cause of skin cancer.
  Dr. Teo (06:42): "That's not true."

She stresses the role of family history and genetic factors, explaining that individuals with strong genetic predispositions need to adopt additional protective measures.

5. Prevention and Detection Strategies

Dr. Teo offers practical advice on early detection and proactive measures to prevent skin cancer. She highlights the importance of regular skin self-exams and professional dermatological evaluations.

Dr. Teo (10:16): "Being proactive is the number one thing you can do. Surveying your own skin... early detection is what dictates good outcomes."

She also mentions supplements like nicotinamide and polypodium leucotomos that can reduce skin cancer risk and enhance sun protection, especially for those in sun-intensive environments like Los Angeles.

6. The Role of Sunscreen: Benefits and Controversies

The conversation takes a critical turn as Dr. Teo examines the debated efficacy and safety of sunscreens. She outlines several key points:

• Efficacy: While sunscreen usage is promoted to prevent premature aging and reduce certain skin cancers, studies have not conclusively proven that daily sunscreen application decreases death rates from skin cancer.

  Dr. Teo (28:21): "There has not been a single study to date that shows that if you diligently put on sunscreen every day, it decreases your chances of dying from skin cancer."

• Safety Concerns: Dr. Teo raises concerns about chemical sunscreens, particularly their potential as endocrine disruptors and their absorption into the bloodstream at levels 500 times the accepted norm.

  Dr. Teo (30:29): "With even one application of a chemical sunscreen, when we drew patients' blood, you can see that chemical at 500 times the upper limit of what's accepted as normal."

• Recommended Alternatives: She advocates for mineral sunscreens containing zinc or titanium dioxide as safer alternatives, noting their broad-spectrum protection and minimal side effects.

  Dr. Teo (31:23): "If I have to pick between the two, I'll just pick the mineral."

Dr. Teo emphasizes that while sunscreen is beneficial, it should not be the only protective measure. She recommends seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and conducting regular skin checks as more effective strategies.

7. Lifestyle Factors Affecting Skin Health and Aging

Addressing the broader aspects of skin wellness, Dr. Teo explains how diet, stress, and overall lifestyle significantly impact skin health and aging. She draws connections between the gut microbiome, immune system balance, and skin inflammation.

Dr. Teo (39:49): "Diet plays an immense role... things that are pro-inflammatory to the gut tend to be pro-inflammatory to the skin."

She also touches on the misconception that drinking ample water hydrates the skin, clarifying that hydration does not significantly affect skin moisture levels unless one is clinically dehydrated.

Dr. Teo (41:33): "Drinking water does not affect skin hydration status. None... only when we're clinically dehydrated."

8. Acne, H. Pylori, and Skin Health

Mari shares her personal struggle with a decade-long acne journey, which was ultimately linked to an H. Pylori infection—a revelation prompted by her skin's persistent signals of internal imbalance.

Mari (06:09): "I went through a 10-year acne journey... it was H. Pylori."

Dr. Teo elaborates on how skin conditions like acne can be manifestations of underlying health issues, reinforcing the skin's role as a real-time indicator of internal health.

Dr. Teo (43:46): "Acne is an inner health thing as well, so getting to the root cause is so important."

9. Conclusion and Future Insights

In wrapping up, Dr. Teo expresses optimism about the future of dermatology, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence enhancing diagnostic and preventive care. She envisions a future where skin cancer surgeries become rare due to effective prevention and early detection strategies.

Dr. Teo (65:34): "I think the future is preventative care. I think the future is AI integration."

She underscores the importance of balancing sun exposure with protective measures and maintaining a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses diet, lifestyle, and proactive health monitoring.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [04:16]: "There's an alarming rate of skin cancer in young adults... this is no longer true."

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [06:42]: "It's not a problem of the elderly. Most of my patients who die of melanoma are young adults."

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [10:16]: "Being proactive is the number one thing you can do. Surveying your own skin... early detection is what dictates good outcomes."

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [28:21]: "There has not been a single study to date that shows that if you diligently put on sunscreen every day, it decreases your chances of dying from skin cancer."

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [39:49]: "Diet plays an immense role... things that are pro-inflammatory to the gut tend to be pro-inflammatory to the skin."

• Dr. Teo Soleymani [65:34]: "I think the future is preventative care. I think the future is AI integration."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Pursuit of Wellness offers a comprehensive exploration of skin cancer, debunking prevalent myths, highlighting the importance of early detection, and scrutinizing the double-edged sword of sunscreen usage. Dr. Teo Soleymani's insights underscore the complexity of skin health, advocating for a balanced and informed approach to wellness that goes beyond surface-level solutions.

For listeners seeking to enhance their skin health and protect against skin cancer, this episode provides invaluable knowledge and actionable strategies backed by medical expertise.