skin cancer prevention & identification. why is skin cancer important? the most common type of...
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SKIN CANCERPREVENTION & IDENTIFICATION
Why is skin cancer important?
the most common type of cancer in the United States
about 40 to 50 % of Americans who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with it
…. and it is largely preventable
What is skin cancer?
An abnormal malignant overgrowth of certain types of skin cells in the epidermis
May metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body
What causes skin cancer?
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation Artificially-produced UV radiation, such as
from sunlamps and tanning booths Predisposition (genetics) Chemicals (e.g. arsenic)
Ultraviolet radiation UVB rays (290-320 nm, shorter wavelength) are
more likely than UVA rays (320-400 nm, longer wavelength) to cause sunburn
UV exposure varies by day, time of day (10-3), latitude, and weather
http://weather.weatherbug.com/CO/Grand%20Junction-weather/uv-index.html
Main skin cancer types:
-Basal cell carcinoma
-Squamous cell carcinoma
-Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
A type of skin cancer that arises from the stratum basale of the epidermis
Basal Cell Carcinoma
78 % of all skin cancers It is a slow-growing cancer that seldom
spreads to other parts of the body and generally is treatable
Generally seen in areas not protected by clothing (ears, nose, chest, arms, neck)
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Three common presentations:
Small, smooth, pale, or waxy shiny lump
Firm, red lump A lump that bleeds or develops a crust
Squamous Cell Carcinoma 20% of skin cancers Cancer that begins in squamous epithelial
cells (nonmelanoma) Usually on the face
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Similar in appearance to basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
2% of skin cancers A form of skin cancer that arises in melanocytes Melanomas usually begin in a mole, which is a
benign cluster of melanocytes and other tissue
Normal
moles:
Melanoma
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths
Can occur in the colored part of eye (iris) (originates from melanocytes), usually occurs near existing moles
Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)
Asymmetry -- The shape of one half does not match the other
Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)
Border -- The edges are often blurred; the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin
Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)
Color -- The color is uneven; shades of various colors
Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)
Diameter -- There is an increase in size; melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (5 mm or 1/4 inch)
Who is at highest risk for skin cancer?
Light skin color, hair color, eye color Family history of skin cancer Personal history of skin cancer Certain types and a large number of moles Freckles, which indicate sun sensitivity and sun
damage Chronic exposure to the sun History of sunburns early in life
dysplastic nevi – more likely to become cancerous
Sunburns are common
It is estimated that 32% of all adults & 40% of children in the US sunburn each year
Basal cell carcinoma – increased odds with repeated exposure, the accumulation over years
Squamous cell carcinoma – increased odds with a single blistering sunburn
How is it found?
Mostly by self examination of the skin By observations by family members By skin examination during visits to the doctor
To catch it early, you have to LOOK for it!…
and then you have to DO something about it!
How is skin cancer treated?
The physician will: Determine what type it is (medical history,
examination, biopsy) Determine how localized or extensive it is Then treat it….
surgery chemotherapy radiation
Excess UV Light Exposure
Excess UV exposure leads to:Skin cancer, plus….Skin damageCataracts and other eye disordersImmune system suppression
How to limit sun damage to skin?
Avoid exposure to the midday sun (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time, or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time)
Wear protective clothing (sun hats, long sleeves, long pants)
Apply and renew sunscreens
(those with an SPF of 15 to 30 block most of the sun's harmful rays) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoA4BYy-fa8
Use UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses Watch the UV Index for your area
What else?
Don’t try to self diagnose!
Be sure your physician does a skin examination when you have a physical
References
National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/skin#3)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nscpep/skin.htm)
Fitzpatrick, Thomas B., et.al., Dermatology in Medicine, 1971, McGraw-Hill Book Company, St. Louis
Saraiya M, Hall HI, Uhler RJ, Sunburn prevalence among adults in the United States, 1999, Am J Prev Med 2002 Aug; 23(2):91-7
Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindexcontour.html)