SKIN CANCERIf you are one of the fortunate ones that has never received a call from your doctor who said, "You have cancer," you STILL need to read this article. It’s almost Summer…that magical season that conjures up images of fun-filled days at the shore, soaking up the sun’s rays with the goal of a glowing tan. However, modern medicine has taught us that while the sun has definite positive attributes for our health (Vitamin D, for one), a SUNTAN is not a good thing.
With more than 1 million cases diagnosed every year, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 90 percent of these are caused by exposure to the sun. It has been found that one in five Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime. If you’ve ever had a skin cancer of ANY type, you are at higher risk of developing other kinds. Thus, the oft-heard comment "It’s only basal cell…nothing to worry about," is not true! Skin cancers are broken down into 3 categories…Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. BASAL CELL CARCINOMA is the most common form of skin cancer. It occurs most often on the skin that has been exposed to the sun most frequently (face, head, shoulders, back, arms, and legs). While it is easily cured when detected early, it can result in scars and disfigurement if left untreated and can damage bone and cartilage. SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA is the second most common form of skin cancer. Again, it is highly cured with early detection. However, if left untreated, this kind can, and often does, spread and can be life threatening. MELANOMA is the most serious form of skin cancer. This kind often invades the organs and causes irreparable damage. While not the most common of skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. Men are at higher risk than women. DYSPLASTIC NEVI are moles that resemble melanoma. People that have them are at a higher risk for developing melanoma. The more moles one has on their body, the higher their risk of malignancy. RISK FACTORS for developing skin cancer in ANY form include: *SUN EXPOSURE…At high risk are folks who live in an area of high intensity sunlight, such as the beach; who work outside, as in lifeguards, construction workers, or groundskeepers; who tan outdoors from 10 AM until 4 PM (heat of the day). Also at higher risk are those who experienced extreme and repeated sunburns as children and adolescents. *SKIN TYPE…At high risk are fair-skinned, light-haired people who burn easily, those who have blue, green, or hazel eyes, and those with a lot of moles. *REDUCED IMMUNITY…People who have weakened immunity systems due to illness or drug interactions are at higher risk for developing skin cancer. *FAMILY HISTORY…Because our genetic make-up is similar to our blood relatives, any history of skin cancers in close relatives should be considered a risk factor. The closer the relation (sibling, parent, or child), the greater the risk. This is especially true with melanoma. *TANNING BED USE…There is an increased risk of developing skin cancers in those who frequent tanning salons with high UVR (ultraviolet radiation). Even occasional use greatly increases the odds of developing skin cancer. PREVENTION TIPS: *Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. *Avoid tanning booths *Use sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) daily, no matter what the season. Reapply sunscreen lavishly every 2 hours and especially after swimming. *Wear protective clothing including hats and UV- blocking sunglasses. *Perform self-examinations of your skin (head to toe) regularly, certainly monthly. *See a dermatologist each and every year for a total body scan to specifically look for possible skin cancers. As with any disease, early detection is the best defense. The average cost for an appointment is under $100, without health insurance coverage. The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects all internal muscles, bones, and organs. Give it the respect that it’s due. |
LOGIN