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SKINCARE Magazine // MAY 2016 ISSUE
SKINCARE
Celebrate Skin Cancer
Awareness Month with
Prevention
As spring turns to summer and you spend
more time outdoors, don’t forget how
important it is to protect your skin from
the sun’s harsh rays. May is Skin Cancer
Awareness Month, and the best way to celebrate is by protecting yourself and spreading the word to your friends and loved ones
about preventing skin cancer.
carcinoma and melanoma. There are also
several very rare types of skin cancer that
account for less than 1 percent of all cases,
such as merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous
(skin) lymphoma and various types of
sarcomas.
Skin cancer is the most common form
of cancer. When detected early, it has
the highest reported cure rate. The most
common types of skin cancer are basal cell
carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
According to the American Cancer Society,
about 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers will be diagnosed
in America each year. And about 73,000
cases of melanoma will be accounted for.
Each type of skin cancer is different, and
has unique symptoms.
Types of skin cancer.
Skin cancer occurs when mutations form in
the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow
out of control. Usually, the damage results
from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
which comes from the sun and artificial
rays (tanning beds, sunlamps). Skin cancer
most often appears in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, head,
neck, hands, lips, ears and scalp. However,
the disease can also develop in other
areas, such as scars, skin ulcers or in the
genital region.
The most common types of skin cancer
are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell
Symptoms to look for.
Basal cell carcinomas on the head or neck
may first appear as a pale patch of skin
or a waxy translucent bump. You may see
blood vessels or an indentation in the center of the bump. If the carcinoma develops
on the chest it may look like a brownish
scar or flesh-colored lesion. As the cancer
develops, it may bleed, ooze or become
crusty in some areas.
Squamous cell carcinomas may develop as
a firm lump on the skin, and may be rough
on the surface, unlike the smooth and
pearly appearance of a basal cell carcinoma. If a nodule doesn’t form, the cancer
may develop as a reddish, scaly patch.
Melanoma signs include new spots on the
skin, or a change in size, shape or color of
an existing mole.
The American Academy of Dermatology
developed a system to detect possible
symptoms of melanoma. Learn the ABCDE’s warning signs of melanoma.
Asymmetry. A mole that is one half unlike
the other half.
Border. The mole is irregular, scalloped or
has a poorly defined border.
Color. The mole varies from one area to
another; shades of tan and brown, black
and sometimes white, red or blue.
Diameter. While melanomas are usually
greater than 6mm, when diagnosed they
can be smaller.
Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks
different from the rest or is changing in
size, shape or color.
Early detection and prevention.
When detected early, treatment for skin
cancer may require only a simple outpatient surgery. If it goes undetected, skin
cancer can spread. Treatments for advanced skin cancer include chemotherapy
and radiation, often coupled with surgery.
If you have risk factors for skin cancer such
as fair skin, advanced age, a history of
sunburns or a family history of skin cancer,
schedule regular yearly checkups with our
dermatologist.
Early detection of skin cancer is important,
but you can reduce your risk with a few
simple steps. Here are some tips to stop
skin cancer before it starts:
• Stay in the shade
• Wear protective clothing/hats when
you’re in the sun
• Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or
higher
• Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your
lips, ears and hairline
• Skip the tanning salon
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses
• Check your moles
• Prevent sunburns