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Skin Cancer Facts |
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| Skin cancer has
increased in the United States: more than one million new cases of
skin cancer will be diagnosed in 1998. The incidence of malignant
melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, doubled among whites
between 1973 and 1994. Furthermore, melanoma is more common than any
non-skin cancer among people between 25 and 29 years old. The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can cause substantial illness and, untreated, can cause considerable damage and disfigurement. If detected and treated early, however, these carcinomas have a cure rate of more than 95%. Malignant melanoma causes more than 75% of all deaths from skin cancer. This disease can spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs and liver. Malignant melanoma diagnosed at an early stage usually can be cured, but melanoma diagnosed at a late stage is more likely to spread and cause death. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in developing skin cancer. This makes skin cancer a largely preventable disease when sun protective practices and behaviors are consistently applied and utilized. UV radiation is also a factor in the development of lip cancer, making sun protection even more important. UV rays from artificial sources of light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps are just as dangerous as those from the sun, and should also be avoided. Unfortunately, despite the fact that both tanning and burning can increase one's risk of skin cancer, most Americans do not protect themselves from UV rays. |
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| Who Is at Risk? | |
| Although anyone can get skin cancer, individuals with certain risk factors are particularly at risk. Some risk factors for skin cancer are: | |
| Light skin color Family history of skin cancer Personal history of skin cancer Chronic exposure to the sun |
History of sunburns early in
life Certain types and a large number of moles Freckles as an indicator of sun sensitivity and sun damage |
| Preventing Skin Cancer: Sun Protection Options | |
| People can take many simple steps to plan ahead and protect themselves from the sun's UV rays. These options are important to remember all year round and during all outdoor activities, not just when at the beach or pool. | |
 GET
A HAT - Up to 80% of skin cancers occur on
the head and neck, so a wide-brimmed hat should be worn to shade the face,
ears, scalp, and neck from the sun's UV rays. A hat with a four-inch
brim provides the most protection. If a baseball cap is worn,
sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should also be
used to protect the ears and neck. |
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| COVER UP - A shirt, beach cover-up, or pants are all good choices. However, a typical shirt actually has an SPF rating substantially lower than the recommended SPF 15, so it is wise to double up on protection by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and staying in the shade when possible. | |
 GRAB
SHADES - Sunglasses protect the tender skin
around the eyes and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Look
for sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around lenses
are ideal because they keep UV rays from hitting the sides of the eyes. |
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| SEEK SHADE - Because the sun's UV rays are strongest and do the most damage during midday, outdoor activities should be avoided at this time. If this is not possible, then finding the shade of a tree, beach umbrella, or tent is a practical way to protect the skin. | |
 RUB
IT ON - Sunscreen with at least SPF 15
should be used whenever a person spends time outdoors. To be
effective, sunscreen needs to be generously applied 30 minutes before
going outdoors and reapplied throughout the day, especially after swimming
or exercising. |
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| For more information: | |
| For more
information about the skin cancer prevention campaign, visit CDC's
"Choose Your Cover" Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover/ |
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| For Further Information Visit the Following Websites: | |
| Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention American Academy of Dermatology American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute |
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Nicholas
A. DeRosa |
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Oneida County
Department of Health |
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© 2003 Oneida County, New York, USA |
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