Thursday, 29 May 2014

Skin Cancer Information that Could Save Your Life

All About Skin Cancer
Non-melanoma is the most common type of
skin cancer, this group of cancers includes
all types of skin cancer except malignant
melanoma, which develops from
melanocytes.
CAUSES OF SKIN CANCER:
• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
(UV) the main source of which is sunlight.
The degree of exposure to radiation depends
on the intensity of light, exposure time, and
if the skin was protected. People living in
areas where they are exposed year round to
intense sunlight are at greater risk. Being
outdoors for extended periods without
appropriate protection dramatically
increases risk.
• Tanning beds are a source of UV radiation
that increase risk of skin cancer.
• Continuous exposure to chemicals such as
arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin, and
certain oils
• Exposure to radiation like those produced
by X-rays
• Injuries, serious or prolonged skin
inflammations, or damage caused by
inflammatory skin diseases
• Treatment of psoriasis with Psoralen and
UV light
• Rare inherited conditions that reduce the
skin’s ability to repair DNA damage as a
result of exposure to sunlight, those with this
disorder often develop a number of skin
cancers, starting in childhood.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER:
As part of routine cancer prevention a doctor
may carefully examine your skin, but we
should check our own skin once a month. Be
aware of any moles, blemishes, freckles, and
other marks in order to spot any changes.
Examine all areas, including the palms and
soles of feet, lower back, and back of legs.
The melanoma may have the appearance of
skin tags. The primary warning signs are the
appearance of a new lump, a growing spot
or bump, or a sore that does not heal within
3 months. Other types of carcinomas appear
as red, flat, and scaly, or small waxy, shiny,
and translucent to highlight areas that may
bleed with a minor injury color. There may
be one or more irregular blood vessels
visible, or areas of blue, black, or brown.
Always check for the ABCDEs of skin cancer!
Check for the following changes on your
moles, birthmarks or any spots on your skin:
PREVENTION OF SKIN CANCER:
• The best way to reduce skin cancer risk is
avoiding unprotected exposure to sunlight
and other sources of ultraviolet light. The
easiest way to avoid exposure to UV light is
to keep out of the sun and stay in the shade
whenever possible. This is particularly
important at noon, when UV light is more
intense.
• Protect yourself with clothing, including a
shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Tightly woven
fabrics offer the best protection against the
sun. Sunglasses that offer good coverage,
with UV absorption of 99% to 100% protect
your eyes and the skin around them.
• Use sunscreen with a protection factor of
SPF 15 or higher on areas of skin exposed to
the sun, particularly when sunlight is
intense. People with paler skin burn more
easily and should apply sunscreen.
Follow instructions when applying
sunscreen. To be effective it should be
applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, and
on all areas of exposed skin. Many
sunscreens stop working when a person
sweats or goes swimming and should be
reapplied to offer maximum protection. Use
protection even on hazy or cloudy days, UV
light can penetrate most cloud cover.
Stop using tanning beds, a healthy or safe
tan does not exist. Tanning is a defense
mechanism, the damage has already
occurred.
Sunscreen should be used year round, not
only in the summer. Sand, water, and snow
reflect the sun’s rays and increase risk of
damage.UV light is most potent between
10am and 4pm, there is still risk when the
sun is out.
SUN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF)
This number measures the minimum
exposure time needed to produce sunburn
with or without sunscreen when exposed to
direct radiation, for example if a person
takes 10 minutes to burn without sunscreen,
with use of protective SPF 20 it should take
200 minutes.
This measurement method is approved by
the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in
the USA. To Find out how to choose the
right sunscreen visit this article: ” Which
SPF is Right For You? ”
Healthy attitudes towards sun:
• Choose shade when possible, under a tree,
roof, umbrella, or tent
• Wear appropriate clothing and accessories
for protection: a cap or wide-brimmed hat,
tightly woven clothing, and sunglasses with
UVR filters
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (that
protects against UVA – UVB) with SPF of 15
or greater to all exposed skin 30 minutes
before going outside and reapply every 2
hours and after swimming.
• Do not expose children under 1 year to
direct or indirect sun. After 6 months child-
friendly sunscreen can be applied for limited
sun exposure.
• Avoid direct sun exposure from 10 am to 4
pm, when UV rays are most intense
• Some medications can cause skin reactions
from sun exposure, ask your doctor
Melanoma (Left) vs. Normal Mole (right)
Sources
Ferguson, A. (2013). Skin Cancer &
Sunscreen. Business People, 116-117.
You Know Everything about Sun Care.
(2014). Prevention, 66(5), 75-83.
Sepkowitz, K. (2013). Sunny With a Chance
Of Cancer. Newsweek Global, 161(22), 1.
DEHAVEN, C. (2014). SUNSCREENS: WHAT
YOU (AND YOUR CLIENTS) NEED TO
KNOW. Skin, Inc, 26(4), 34-44.
Stanford Cancer Institue

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