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What you should know about Skin Cancer
Skin cancer accounts for more than 40% of all cancers. About one million people in the United
States are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Thousands die annually from this disease.
These numbers are alarming, considering the vast majority of skin cancers are preventable.
Repeated sunburns and over exposure to the sun are the most common causes of skin cancer.
Precancerous Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease may develop as a result of
excessive sun exposure and can eventually develop into squamous cell carcinomas if left
untreated. These flat, scaly growths usually appear on areas of the body frequently exposed to
sun; they typically take on a gray, pink or red shade. People with fair skin are at the highest risk of
developing these precancerous skin conditions.
Common Non-melanoma Skin Cancers
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, making up 75% of all skin cancers.
These small tumors appear as raised, fleshy nodules or bumps and can sometimes bleed. Unlike
other forms of cancer, this cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas of the body.
Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on areas of the body regularly exposed to the sun - the
head, neck and hands. The cure rate for basal cell carcinoma is close to 100% if they are
detected and treated properly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma accounts for about 20% of all skin cancers. This cancer usually
appears as nodules or as red, scaly patches on the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is slightly
more likely than basal cell carcinoma to spread to other parts of the body. Although squamous cell
carcinoma commonly appears on body areas frequently exposed to the sun, it can also develop in
skin ulcers, scars and areas with limited sun exposure.
Malignant Melanoma
The least common kind of skin cancer, malignant melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer
deaths. A malignant melanoma develops from an abnormal growth of melanin-producing cells.
Melanin is the dark pigment in the skin. The growth of these cells can result in the formation of
tumors of cancerous moles. If left untreated, malignant melanoma can spread throughout the
body and lead to death.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) sun rays are the primary cause of skin cancer. Excessive
exposure the UV rays can cause blistering sunburns and mutations to the genetic makeup of skin.
These genetic mutations can ultimately lead to either basal cell or squamous cell skin cancers.
Malignant melanomas may be caused by brief intense exposure to the sun.
Skin Tone: People at the highest risk are those with fair skin, red or blond hair and blue, green or
gray eyes who tend to freckle or burn rather than tan. These people are at much greater risk for
developing skin cancer than people with dark complexions.
Race: Caucasians are at higher risk for skin cancer than African-Americans, Asians and dark
skinned people. However, anyone can get skin cancer. Dark skinned people should look for
melanoma warning signs in light coloured areas such as the palms, soles and the feet and nail
beds.
Heredity: People with family histories of unusual moles are malignant melanomas are at the
highest risk for developing skin cancer. They should pay extra attention to changes in moles
during hormonal fluxes due to puberty and the use of birth control pills.
Geographical Location: Skin cancers are more common in areas closer to the equator where
the sun is strongest. People raised in the Sunbelt often have permanent sun damage by their
twenties.
Exposure at Work: Occupational exposure to coal, tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic, X-rays, asphalt,
soot, paraffin waxes, lubrication oils and radium contributes to skin cancer. People exposed to
such substances should wear protective clothing and use protective equipment to reduce
exposure.
Age: Although skin cancer affects all age groups, including young people, it is the sun exposure
we get before adulthood that typically results in skin cancer. People get 80% of their sun
exposure by the time they reach the age of 18. Moles present at birth should be examined by a
health care provider, as should an increased number of abnormal moles that develop around
puberty.
Ozone Depletion: Many man-made products and pollutants are depleting the ozone, the
protective layer of the earth's atmosphere. The depletion of the ozone layer enables more
damaging UV rays to reach the earth's surface. Because of increased exposure to UV rays,
everyone is at greater risk for developing skin cancer.
Tips for Prevention
Wear protective clothing: Hats (especially with a 4 inch brim all the way around), sun glasses
with 99-100% UVA and UVB protection, long sleeved shirts and long skirts or pants.
Avoid Midday exposure: Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Use a sun screen: With a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher when outdoors. Sunscreen
should also be used during the winter and around water, sand and snow.
Apply sunscreen: At least half an hour before sun exposure and reapply as needed.
Use a lip balm: with a SPF of 15 or higher when outdoors.
Check the UV Index of the day before extended sun exposure. The UV Index can be found on
your local weather station, on the internet or in newspapers.
Avoid tanning: both outdoors and in tanning booths. Tanning booths are not safe alternatives to
the sun.
Seek medical treatment: for severe sunburns which result in blisters.
Perform periodic self examinations of moles and skin irritations.
Which Sunscreen is right for you?
Overexposure to the sun can have damaging effects on the body, but using sunscreen can help
reduce these effects. The protective ability of sunscreen is measured by its SPF rating. The
higher the SPF number, the greater the protection provided.
Sun screen comes in many different forms, including gels, lotions and creams. Use the type you
like best. Make sure that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Your sunscreen should also have a
SPF of 15 or higher. It is recommended that people of every skin tone wear sunscreen with at
least SPF 15 every day of the year. If you have fair skin, plan to be outside for more than an hour,
or will be sweating, use a sun screen with SPF 30. If you will be swimming or sweating, choose a
waterproof sunscreen.
The "ABCD's" of Melanoma
Early detection: is key to curing all types of skin cancer. Periodic self-examinations should be
performed to check for changes in moles that match any of the categories below. When
performing a self examination, focus on areas regularly exposed to the sun. Use a mirror to
check moles in hard to view locations as well as areas that receive less sun exposure.
Asymmetry: One-half of the growth is not symmetrical or matching the other half.
Border Irregularity: The edge of the growth is ragged or blurred.
Colour: The colour of the growth is not uniform. Tan, black and brown shades may be present,
sometimes including shades of red or white.
Diameter: Any growth that is larger than the width of a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters) should
be further examined.
Changes: If you find any changes in a mole, including changes in its texture or elevation (height)
see your health care provider immediately.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Cryosurgery: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill cancerous cells.
Electrodesiccation and Curettage: The area is scraped off with a curette, a long, sharp
instrument resembling a vegetable peeler. This process usually makes it possible to save the skin
surrounding the tumor, resulting in minimal scarring.
Excision: Cancerous tissue is surgically removed, leaving a scar after the procedure.
Laser Surgery: A laser beam vaporizes and destroys the cancer cells.
Radiation: The tumor is destroyed with X-rays.
Immunotherapy: Medications such as interferon are used in combination with surgery to simulate
the body's defenses to fight cancer.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have any
questions, consult your dermatologist or health care provider.