from the Spring 2005 issue
The American Cancer Society estimates that during 2004, about one million new cases of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma and 59,350 new cases of malignant melanoma will be diagnosed. It is also estimated that skin cancer will claim the lives of approximately 9,800 Americans. When detected early, skin cancer is highly curable.
Exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) from either the sun or a tanning bed appears to be the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer. Being light skinned, with a tendency to burn easily and tan poorly is also a very important risk factor. Persons with a personal or family history of skin cancer are also at increased risk.
It is important to examine your skin every month to detect skin cancer at an early stage. Get to know the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles, and other marks on your skin so you can detect any changes. One way to do this self-exam is to stand in front of a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see. All areas should be examined, including the lower back, buttocks, back of the shoulders, and backs of the thighs. Spots on the skin that are changing size, shape or color must be evaluated promptly. Any unusual sore, lump, blemish, marking, or change in the way an area of the skin looks or feels may be a sign of skin cancer. The skin might become scaly, crusty, oozing, or bleeding. Most skin lesions are not skin cancers, but only your dermatologist is trained to make that determination.
The doctor screens for skin cancer the same way you would, by examining the entire skin surface. She will pay special attention to the sun-exposed surfaces at highest risk and those areas, such as the back, that patients have trouble examining themselves. If you are fair-skinned and have a history of sun exposure, you should schedule an examination with us annually. If you have had a previous skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions, we may want to see you even more often.
Remember that skin cancer is preventable. Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage. If you must be in the sun, exercise “sun sense.” Avoid sun exposure when UV exposure is the greatest (usually 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and always use a sunscreen. An SPF of 15 is adequate protection for routine daily activities. If you must be in bright sun or out for an extended period of time, in addition to a high SPF sunscreen, we recommend keeping exposed areas of the body covered with comfortable sun-protective clothing. Also we recommend broad-brimmed hats to protect your face and neck.
Here at The Center for Medical Dermatology, we look forward to seeing you for a complete skin exam, showing you the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, and reinforcing the wisdom of practicing “sun sense” and monthly self-exam.
For more information, see:
Skin Cancer:
Know What to Look For
Summer 1999
ARE YOU AT RISK?
One out of five Americans will develop skin cancer sometime during their lives. Take this test to find out your risk level.
Keep an eye on your skin, and come see us if you experience any of the warning signs. For more information about skin cancer, go to these sites:
American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org. Run a search for "skin cancer."
Skin Cancer Foundation
www.skincancer.org
To schedule a consultation with one of our physicians or nurses, please call 713.850.0240.
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