| April 2004 Phi Theta Kappa-Missouri Regional Newsletter p.8 |
| FYI Health Series How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 9,600 deaths from skin cancer in 2002 � 7,400 from melanoma and 2,200 from other skin cancers. What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include: Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation Fair complexion Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium Family history Multiple or atypical moles Severe sunburns as a child What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor. Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time, and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun�s rays are at their strongest. Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light. Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen. Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds. What is the American Cancer Society doing about skin cancer? Education: The Society delivers health information to the public, so that individuals can make informed personal decisions. Examples include: Printed materials; media coverage; community-based outreach programs; and free, nationwide services such as www.cancer.org and 1-800-ACS-2345. The American Cancer Society also began its Sun Safe Community initiative in December 2000 to help prevent skin cancer. This community-based, multi-component effort consists of prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas. |
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