SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION Dr. Kay Hargett Health Science Instructor

WHAT IS CANCER? Occurs when cells in a body part begin to grow out of control and crowd out normal cells.

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Most skin cancers are: slow-growing easy to recognize relatively easy to treat when detected early Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, mostly from the sun but also from tanning beds.

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ESTIMATES More than one million new cases of basal and squamous cell cancers occur annually in the United States. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. This year approximately 68,720 people will be diagnosed with melanoma and approximately 8,650 will die. Melanoma rates are more than 10 times higher in Caucasians than in African Americans.

TWO TYPES OF SKIN CANCER Non-Melanomas – (most common skin cancers) –Include Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Cancers –Can be fast or slow growing, but rarely spread –Found on sun exposed parts of body like the head and neck –This year approximately 2,940 people will die from non- melanoma skin cancer

TYPES OF SKIN CANCER 2.Melanomas Can occur anywhere on the body Less common, but more serious Almost always curable when detected early More likely to spread to other parts of body This year approximately 8,650 people will die from melanoma

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET (UV) RADIATION? Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of invisible energy given off by the sun UV rays are divided into 3 wavelength ranges: UVA Rays, causes long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but also play a role in some skin cancers. UVB Rays, direct damage to DNA, these rays cause sunburns, cause most skin cancers. UVC Rays, do not penetrate atmosphere, not present in sunlight. There are NO safe UV Rays!

TYPES OF SKIN CANCER 2.Melanomas Can occur anywhere on the body Less common, but more serious Almost always curable when detected early More likely to spread to other parts of body This year approximately 8,650 people will die from melanoma

WHAT IS A TAN? Tanning, like sunburn, is literally a form of skin injury. Ultraviolet radiation can damage your DNA at a cellular level, which can lead to cancer. Although people with light skin are more susceptible, darker skinned people can also be affected.

WHAT ABOUT TANNING BEDS? There is no evidence that tanning in a bed is any safer than tanning in the sun -- in fact, some tanning beds release much stronger UV light than the sun does. Tanning beds are extremely dangerous just as overexposure to the sun is dangerous There is a 75% increase in risk for melanoma among those who first use tanning beds in their teens and early twenties.

WHAT IS MY RISK FOR SKIN CANCER?

WHO IS PRONE TO SUN DAMAGE? Everyone! Everyone's skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of UV rays. Although people with light skin are much more likely to have sun damage, darker-skinned people, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans, also can be affected

FACTORS THAT INCREASE RISK OF SKIN CANCER Individuals who are lighter skinned, have freckles, and have blond, red, or light brown hair. Individuals who work outdoors and or live in high altitudes (due to increased UV rays). Excessive exposure to light from tanning lamps, tanning beds and booths or sunlight.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM SKIN CANCER?

STEPS FOR SUN PROTECTION Limit your sun exposure during 10am-4pm Cover up your skin, especially your arms and legs. Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect eyes, ears, and face. Wear wrap-around sunglasses. Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and be sure to re-apply. Avoid artificial sources of UV light (tanning beds)

WHAT ABOUT TANNING PRODUCTS? Tanning Pills The additives are distributed throughout the body, especially the skin, turning it an orange-like color. They are not approved for use as tanning agents and may be harmful. Tanning Accelerators Such as lotions or pills that contain the amino acid tyrosine or its derivatives, are not effective and may be dangerous. Bronzers and Extenders Not considered harmful when used properly. These products do not protect against UV exposure.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT EARLY DETECTION OF SKIN CANCER?

WHEN SHOULD I BE SCREENED? Get a cancer-related checkup by a doctor, including skin examination, every three years between ages 20 and 40 and annually for those 40 and older. See a doctor immediately if you notice any warning signs. It ’ s important to check your own skin, preferably once per month.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR? Basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers are most often found in areas that get exposed to a lot of sun, such as the head, neck, and arms, but they can occur elsewhere. Look for new growths, spots, bumps, patches, or sores that don't heal after 2 to 3 months.

USE ABCD RULE TO SPOT MELANOMA A (Asymmetry) one portion of the mole does not match the other B (Border) edges are irregular, notched, or blurred C (Color) different shades of black or brown, patchy colors D (Diameter) spot is 6 millimeters across, or growing larger

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MELANOMA  Change in the size, shape or color of a mole, such as: Signs that a mole’s border is becoming more ragged Spread of pigmentation beyond its border  Scaliness, bleeding or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule  Change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness or pain in a mole or other growth

HOW TO CHECK YOUR SKIN: Face the mirror: Check your face, ears, neck, chest, and belly.

FACE THE MIRROR Check the underarm areas, both sides of the arms, the tops and bottoms of your hands, in between your fingers, and fingernail beds.

SIT DOWN Check the front of your thighs, shins, tops of your feet, in between your toes, and toenail beds.

Y OU WILL NEED A HAND MIRROR FOR YOUR THIGHS, BACK, AND SCALP. Now look at the bottoms of your feet, your calves, and the backs of your thighs, first checking one leg and then the other.