Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can occur when your skin becomes damaged. It is always best to avoid all damage to your skin since your skin is your first line of defense against germs and bacteria. This disease is the most common form of cancer. Usually the cause is too much sun exposure over many years. Only a very small minority will ever die of it. It needs to be detected early to stay safe. There are three basic types:

--Basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common. It is usually found on the head, neck, or shoulders. It is often crusting and bleeding in the center, a sore that will not heal. Sometimes blood vessels may be seen in the tumor. It often appears to be a smooth, raised bump.

--Squamous cell carcinoma, which is the 2nd most common. It is usually found on sun exposed areas of the body. Often, it appears as a skin ulcer with bleeding. It can become quite large.

--Malignant melanoma, which is the worst form. These are usually brown or black lesions. They can appear as changes in moles—such as size, color, shape, or a change in the elevation or the mole. Common characteristics are bleeding, ulceration, pain, or itching.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Talk to your physician about options. There are many treatments available. I’m sure you and your doctor will be able to decide what is best for you.

Most Common Risk Factors

--Lots of moles, especially if they developed before 6 months of age.

--HPV (human papilloma virus).

--Wounds that never seem to heal—such as a burn or ulcer.

--You have spent a lot of time in sun tanning beds.

--You have spent a lot of time in the sun, either from tanning or in your line of work.--Fair Complexion.

--You have had exposure to toxic substances such as arsenic, coal tar, etc.

Skin cancer develops in the epidermis (or outer layer) of the skin. This allows it to be fairly easy to detect. Remember a “deep” tan is an unhealthy tan. This disease is cumulative and often does not show up for 20 to 30 years.

Risk Reduction

--Reduce your exposure to UV radiation now and in the future. If you have children reduce their exposure and take steps to protect them from skin cancer.

--Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. You want a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation. Wear it summer and winter when heading out. UV radiation in sunlight damages our DNA and leads to cancer causing genetic changes in the skin cells.

--Wear protective clothing and hats when outdoors. Stay covered up.

--Avoid the sun between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

--Make sure to take your nutritional supplements at adequate levels. It has been shown that Vitamins C and E help you to avoid burning. Check out this article on using your diet to combat this disease: Your Nutritional Arsenal to Fight Skin Cancer

--See your physician immediately if you see changes in your skin that just don’t seem normal.

--Check your skin monthly for changes in your skin. Discolored skin, ulcers, moles with jagged edges, all should be checked out.

Cancers of the skin are easily taken care of if detected early. Just make sure to get to your physician if you have any questionable lesions. The sooner the better! In the mean time, slather on some lotion that will give you the appearance of a tan without the risks. There are many brands on the market. Just think of the dry skin problems you will avoid by nixing sunbathing from your summer routine.

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