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06/28/2010
More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, Texas is ranked fourth in the nation for newly diagnosed cases of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, many cases are easily preventable by limiting exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and avoiding indoor tanning.
Statistics
- One in three Texans will develop skin cancer over the course of his/her lifetime.
- Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans 65 or older will have non-melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime.
- There are several types of skin cancer, but melanoma is the most deadly. Two of the most common types of skin cancer – basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell (SCC) carcinomas – are highly curable if caught early.
- Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer, with rates increasing over the past 30 years.
- Use of tanning beds before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.
Risk Factors
- UV Exposure: UV radiation can harm skin cells and cause skin cancer. UV rays are primarily found in sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds.
- Indoor Tanning: Sun lamps and tanning beds emit UV radiation which can cause skin damage and in recent studies have been linked to melanoma. Tanning beds increase a person’s risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 2.5 times, and they increase the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma by 1.5 times.
- Family History: Those with a family history of skin cancer may face an increased risk for the disease.
- Fair Skin: People with fair skin are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially fair-skinned individuals with freckles and/or blue eyes and light hair. However, everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer and should take precautions.
Symptoms and Signs
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the surface of the skin. It is important to perform a monthly self-exam to check for changes in skin growths, and a physician should be consulted for any mole that has changed in appearance. The ABCD rule can help guide you when checking your skin.
- A = Asymmetry: One side of the mole is different from the other in size, shape, color, or thickness.
- B = Border: The edge or border is not smooth.
- C = Color: The color of the mole contains various shades of tan, brown, or black.
- D = Diameter: Skin cancer melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters in diameter, but they can be smaller.
Tips for Prevention
- Limit Exposure: Practice sun safety when you are outdoors. Avoid being outdoors in sunlight too long, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV light is strongest.
- Protect Your Skin: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are the most protective. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on areas of skin exposed to the sun, especially when the sunlight is strong. Reapply every two hours or according to the product label. Use sunscreen even on hazy days or days with light or broken cloud cover because UV light still permeates.
- Wear a Hat: A hat with a 2- to 3-inch brim can protect areas exposed to the sun’s rays, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Straw hats may allow UV rays through, so refrain from wearing these unless the weave is tight.
- Wear Sunglasses: Wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99 percent UV absorption provide the best protection for the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking UVA and UVB light.
Treatment Options
Often basal cell and squamous cell cancers can be completely cured by fairly minor surgery. Some can be cured by using medicine on the skin. The type of treatment for any skin cancer, including melanoma, depends on how large the cancer is, its type, its location, and the patient’s medical history. For some squamous cancers that are more prone to spread, treatment might include radiation or chemotherapy after surgery.
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Sources: American Cancer Society, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute, and The Skin Cancer Foundation
Updated 06/22/10