Published: March 14, 2007 04:09 pm            

Detecting and preventing skin cancer

Of all types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common, and more than one million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. That is more than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterine, ovarian and pancreatic cancer combined. People can be proactive in protecting themselves and their families from skin cancer.

Two types of skin cancers exist — melanomas and non-melanomas. Knowing the differences is very important in identifying the cancers in their earliest stages, when they are most easily cured. Once a month, you should examine your skin in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror.

Non-melanomas are the most common forms of skin cancer and are unlikely to be fatal because they rarely spread. One should look for growths, spots, bumps, rough patches or sores that don’t heal after a few months.

Melanoma is significantly less common than non-melanomas, but much more serious. Seventy-seven percent of skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma. Melanoma is also more likely to spread to other parts of the body. The ABCD rule is a guide for the typical signs of melanoma.

‰ A is for asymmetry, when one half of a mole does not match the other half.

‰ B is for border, when the edges are blurred, irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

‰ C is for color, which may be inconsistent and include shades of brown or black, as well as patches of red, white or blue.

‰ D is for diameter, when the spot is as big as or larger than a pencil eraser.

Skin cancers are primarily caused by UV rays from the sun, though some may be caused from artificial sources, such as tanning beds. People can take precautions to prevent skin cancer by following a few tips:

‰Limit midday sun exposure: From 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., ultraviolet rays are most intense and should be avoided.

‰ Cover up: When in the sun, cover as much skin as possible. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants or skirts to protect skin. Dark colors also offer more protection. Wearing a hat with at least a two to three inch brim all the way around is best because it protects areas that often are damaged by the sun.

‰ Use sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen with at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Remember that sunscreen does not give total protection. For example, after applying a SPF correctly, the user gets one minute of burning time for every 15 minutes spent in the sun.

‰ Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Tanning beds give off UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to skin cancer growth.

To prevent skin cancer, be proactive, take care of your skin and have your physician routinely check your skin. If you have any questions about skin care, please call Dr. Melinda Hart at 735-0030.

        

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