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SKIN CANCER As a follow-up to Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the Health Ministry would like to share more information about skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Most skin cancer is caused by sun damage. Ninety percent of skin cancers occur on the face, neck, and arms, where sun exposure is greatest.
Risk Factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation ( from sun, suntan booths, tanning beds, etc.) certain occupational exposures, family history and multiple or atypical moles.
Types of Skin Cancer The majority of skin cancers fall into three categories:
1) Squamous Cell cancers are raised usually nodular lesions with rough, scaly surfaces on a reddish base. The border is usually irregular and they often bleed. These lesions grow slowly and usually do not spread to other parts of the body.
2) Basal Cell cancers appear as pearly or waxy nodules with central depressions or ulceration. This type of cancer grows slowly and only by direct extension.
3) Malignant Melanoma is by far the most dangerous. Melanomas often start as small, mole-like growths that increase in size and change in color. The American Cancer Society offers a simple ABCD rule to outline the warning signals of melanoma.
A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half. B is for border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred. C is for color. The pigmentation is not uniform, with variable degrees of tan, brown, or black. D is for diameter greater than 6 millimeters (larger than a pencil eraser). Any sudden or progressive increase in size should be of particular concern. Malignant Melanoma is often fatal and spreads easily.
Prevention Most skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding excessive exposure to the sun. Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun's ultraviolet rays are the strongest (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.). Or use the "shadow rule". When your shadow is shorter than you, limit your sun exposure. Around 80% of each day's total UV assault happens during this "short shadow" interval. That's when you are at greatest risk for sunburn and skin damage (which can also lead to wrinkles).
When outdoors cover as much skin as possible, wear a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. Sunscreens come in various strengths, graded by the solar protection factor (SPF). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
There appears to be a link between severe sunburns in childhood (most damaging sun exposure occurs by age 20) and greatly increased risk of melanoma in later life, so keep your child protected.
Know your family history. Early detection is crucial. Regularly inspect your skin with a mirror or help of another person. Look for unusual moles, spots, bumps or sores that won't heal. Suspicious lesions should be promptly examined by a physician.