Skin Cancer

Most common of all other cancers One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. An estimated 9,940 people will die of melanoma in 2015 In the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined Common Facts

Make it a habit to examine your skin regularly Look for spots like freckles & blemishes Notice unusual growth, discoloration, sores that do not heal, or a mole that undergoes a sudden or progressive change Detection

Look for asymmetry, border irregularity, color change,and a diameter of greater than ¼ inch A mole that changes in size, shape, or color is also a concern Detection contin.

Reduce sun exposure Shade your skin Beware of clouds Look out for reflection Wear sunscreen Avoid tanning and sunlamps Prevention

Look out for your children when they are going outside Protect your eyes Spot check your moles Prevention contd.

Family history, fair skin, excessive sun exposure, moles, immune suppressed. Age and genetics cannot be controlled. Smoking and excess sun exposure can be controlled. Risk Factors

The choice of treatment is based on the tumor size, location, and depth of penetration. Mohs Micrographic Surgery- using a scalpel, physician removes tumor with thin layer of tissue. Highest Cure rate - 95% Excisional surgery- physician uses scalpel to remove entire growth along with normal skin. Cure rate- 92% Cyrosurgery- destroy tumor by freezing it. Inexpensive but lower cure rate. Radiation- x-ray beams directed at tumor, cure rate 85-95% Photodynamic Therapy- useful for growth on the face. Not FDA approved. Treatment

1.List two risk factors of skin cancer. 2.Name a way to prevent skin cancer. 3.Name one treatment for skin cancer. Questions