Download Skin Cancer

June 2016
Skin Cancer
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in
the course of their lifetime.
Skin Cancer
According to the Cancer
Treatment Centers of America
(CTCA), skin cancer is the most
common cancer in U.S. adults,
affecting well over 3.5 million
Americans each year.
Skin
cancer may initially appear as
a nodule, irregular patch or
a bump on the surface of the
skin. As the cancer grows, the
visible skin mass may change
in shape and size. Once visible
changes occur, it is likely that
the cancer is expanding into
the lower layers of the skin. In
the advanced stages, the cancer
may start spreading to nearby
muscle tissue and/or bone.
Once the cancer enters the blood
and lymph fluids it may start to
travel to areas such as the liver
or lungs.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three types of skin
cancer: melanoma, basal cell
carcinoma and squamous cell
carcinoma. Non-melanoma skin
cancers (basal cell or squamous
cell carcinoma) symptoms may
vary person to person. The first
indication that an individual may
have one of the two cancers is
an unusual skin growth, sore or
bump that doesn’t go away.
cancer affecting approximately
20% of non-melanoma skin
cancers. This type of cancer is
most commonly found on the neck,
ears, face or the back of the hand
in the form of a lump. These firm
lumps may be rough, or a reddish,
scaly patch. When squamous cell
carcinoma develops, it is known
to invade fatty tissues beneath the
skin and spread even further.
According to the American Cancer
Society, basal cell carcinoma is the
most common type of skin cancer
that affects approximately 8 out of
10 non-melanoma skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma tends to be
found in the areas of the skin that
receive the most exposure to the
sun, like the head and neck. These
cancers grow slowly and it is rare
for them to spread to nearby
lymph nodes or even more distant
parts of the body. These types
may first appear as a pale patch of
skin. As the cancer furthers into
development, an individual may
see the patch or lesion bleed or
become crusty.
Melanoma is the most common
skin cancer to spread if left
untreated.
Melanoma is a
form of cancer that affects the
melanocytes,(specialized cells in
the skin that produce melanin).
Signs of melanoma include new
spots on your skin or the changing
of size, color or shape of an
existing mole. Abnormal growths
are also recognized by using the
ABCD rule.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the
second most common type of skin
A is for Asymmetry: A mole that
has an irregular shape.
B is for Border: Irregular, blurred
or rough edges.
C is for Color: Changes in the
color or shade of a mole.
D is for Diameter: Moles larger
than ¼ inch may be suspect.
Prevention
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends • Always choose a broad spectrum sunscreen,
that everyone practice a monthly head-to-toe
which provides protection from both UVA
self-examination of their skin to recognize any
(skin aging) and UVB (cancer causing) rays.
changing areas. When skin cancer is found and • Choose a “water resistant” or “very water
removed early, it is almost always curable. The
resistant” sunscreen, which are effective for
following are a few more prevention tips from the
up to 40 and 80 minutes in water respectively.
Skin Cancer Foundation:
• Reapply often, at least every 2 hours.
• Seek the shade between the hours of 10am
• Don’t forget about your lips, look for a chap
and 4pm.
stick or lip balm with SPF protection.
• Do not allow yourself to sunburn.
• Check the label; Sunscreens with titanium
• Avoid tanning beds all together.
dioxide or zinc oxide may be better for people
• When outside, cover up with clothing and/
with sensitive skin.
or always use sun screen with an SPF of 15 or See a physician yearly for a professional
higher (SPF 30 or higher if you are in direct skin exam.
sunlight for longer periods of time).
Quick Facts
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:
• Each year, there are over 5.4million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer cases in the United
States (3.3 million people).
• Over the past 3 decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
• Approximately 90% of all non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet
radiation from the sun.
• The estimated annual cost of treating skin cancer in the United States is $8.1 billion.
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