SKIN CANCER PREVENTION

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SKIN CANCERPREVENTION IDENTIFICATION
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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

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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

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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)

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Ultraviolet radiation

• UVB rays (290-320 nm, shorter wavelength) are
  more likely than UVA rays (320-400 nm, longer
  wavelength) to cause sunburn

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UV exposure varies by day, time of day (10-3),
latitude, and weather

http//weather.weatherbug.com/CO/Grand20Junction-
weather/uv-index.html
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Main skin cancer types

• -Basal cell carcinoma
• -Squamous cell carcinoma
• -Melanoma

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

• A type of skin cancer that arises from the
  stratum basale of the epidermis

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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)

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Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Three common presentations

Small, smooth, pale, or waxy shiny lump
Firm, red lump
A lump that bleeds or develops a crust
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• 20 of skin cancers
• Cancer that begins in squamous epithelial cells
  (nonmelanoma)
• Usually on the face

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Similar in appearance to basal cell carcinoma

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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

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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

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Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)

• Asymmetry -- The shape of one half does not match
  the other

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Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)

• Border -- The edges are often blurred the
  pigment may spread into the surrounding skin

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Melanoma (the A-B-C and Ds)

• Color -- The color is uneven shades of various
  colors

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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)

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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

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dysplastic nevi more likely to become cancerous
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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

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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!

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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

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Excess UV Light Exposure

• Excess UV exposure leads to
• Skin cancer, plus.
• Skin damage
• Cataracts and other eye disorders
• Immune system suppression

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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/wat
  ch?vUoA4BYy-fa8
• Use UVA- and UVB-blocking sunglasses
• Watch the UV Index for your area

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What else?

• Dont try to self diagnose!
• Be sure your physician does a skin examination
  when you have a physical

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References

• National Cancer Institute (http//www.cancer.gov/c
  ancerinfo/wyntk/skin3)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
  National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
  and Health Promotion (http//www.cdc.gov/cancer/ns
  cpep/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.ht
  ml)