Skin Cancer Facts
For all forms of skin cancer, years of exposure to strong
sunlight seems to be the main cause. Other causes of skin
cancer include repeated exposure to radiation or certain
chemicals, such as coal tars and asphalt, scarring from
disease or burns, and genetic and hormonal factors. Skin
cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. There are
two main types:
Melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma begins in
skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin
its color. Two kinds of non-melanoma, basal cell and squamous
cell carcinoma, originate in different types of cells in the
epidermis, or outer skin layer. Melanoma is the "black mole"
kind of skin cancer. It is less common and more dangerous
because it tends to spread rapidly. Squamous cell carcinoma is
less serious, but can also spread to other parts of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, doesn't spread quickly, and
is usually not life threatening. Every year, about 32,000 new
cases of melanoma and 700,000 cases of non-melanoma skin
cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Skin cancer is the
most easily detectable, curable and preventable cancer. The
cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is about 95 percent
when properly treated.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer prevention tips:
* Avoid sun exposure and exposure to ultraviolet radiation
from the sun.
* If you must be out in the sun, always use protection: wear a
long-sleeved shirt or cover-up, a hat that shades your face
and sunglasses.
* Always wear sunscreen (with a sun protection factor of at
least 15) on exposed body parts, even during the winter, when
sun reflected off the snow may be intense. Apply it 15 to 30
minutes (or more) before going out in the sun.
* Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM when the sun's
rays are their most fierce.
* Check your skin monthly for unusual moles or changes in
existing skin markings, using a full-length mirror and a hand
mirror to see your back. See a dermatologist if you notice any
changes and for regular skin checkups.
* Don't use sunlamps or tanning centers.
Self-Examination:
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to perform monthly
self-examinations. First, count and plot your moles so that
you can note any changes. Then, each month examine each part
of your body using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Be
sure to check the front, back, sides, forearms, upper
underarms and palms, backs of legs and feet, including spaces
between toes, the back of the neck and scalp, under the hair
and the back and buttocks.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Fair-skinned Caucasians living in sunny places are at greatest
risk for developing skin cancer. People who work outdoors, the
elderly, anyone who has had severe sunburn and people
repeatedly exposed to radiation or hydrocarbons found in coal
tars, pitch, and asphalt are also at risk. Other risk factors
include having skin damage or defects, being an albino and
having a family history of skin cancer or a condition called
dysplastic nevi syndrome, characterized by larger-than-normal
moles that begin growing later in life. People whose immune
systems are weaker than normal (such as chemotherapy patients
and people with AIDS) are also at greater risk.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Any unusual skin condition, like a change in a mole or other
pigmented growth or spot, or a wound that doesn't heal should
cause concern. Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, a growing bump,
itchiness, pain and tenderness are all possible symptoms of
skin cancer. Melanoma may begin in or near a mole or other
dark spot on the skin. Warning signs in moles are asymmetry
(when the shape of one half doesn't match the other half);
ragged, irregular, notched or blurred borders; different
shades of color and growth; and size (larger than a pencil
eraser).
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