Study: Botox Gets Priority Over Cancer
Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA Cancer patients are in the back of the line for many dermatologists according to a new study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Botox injections for wrinkles are getting priority treatment.
Botox is big business for dermatologists. Americans spend more than two billion dollars a year for the popular shot of youth.
But Jack Howard visits his dermatologist for a much more serious reason.
"I've had skin cancers for the last four years," said patient Jack Howard, so it's important for him to see the doctor on a timely basis.
But the cosmetic craze is making it increasingly difficult to get an appointment with some dermatologists.
The new study shows it's much easier to get an appointment for Botox than it is to have a mole checked out.
"The results were concerning," said Dr. Mark Steven Nestor, a skin cancer specialist who also uses Botox.
The study showed Botox patients only had to wait eight days, on average, for an appointment.
But patients with a potentially dangerous mole had to wait 26 days.
Dr. Nestor saw Jack immediately and said patients shouldn't have to wait for weeks.
"If they feel that they need to be seen for a mole or a medical evaluation, they need to be seen or change doctors," said Dr. Nestor.
Many experts suspect money is why Botox trumps cancer. The injections can be very profitable, while treating skin cancer usually involves insurance constraints.
Doctors said the study doesn't apply to all dermatologists.
In terms of skin cancer, people should do monthly checks for any changes in a moles size, shape or color.
Most skin cancers are curable if caught early. Sometimes, delays can be deadly.