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PREVENTION OVERVIEW
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many can not. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases.
PROSTATE CANCER PREVENTIONRace: Skin cancer is most common among fair-skinned individuals who sunburn or freckle easily.
Sex:Rates of skin cancer deaths in white males have increased in recent years, possibly as a result of the increase in outdoor recreation activities.
Age: Rates of melanoma rise rapidly in Caucasians older than 20 years.
Individual History: Persons with certain types of moles or those with a family history of dysplastic nevus syndrome, a malignant genetic skin disorder characterized by mole-like tumors, are at a higher risk for developing melanoma. Patients who have had nonmelanoma skin cancer are at a higher risk for developing the disease again. Individuals who are exposed to the sun, x-rays, or ultraviolet light for long periods of time have a greater risk.
NONMELANOMA SKIN CANCER (Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma)Studies have suggested that reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation decreases the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is a stream of invisible high- energy rays coming from the sun. Artificial sources such as tanning booths and sunlamps also produce ultraviolet radiation. Sun exposure can be reduced by changing patterns of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to high-intensity UV radiation (the sun is strongest from 11 am to 3 pm), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves and hats) when exposed to sunlight, and by using adequate amounts of sufficiently protective sunscreen. Whether sunscreens are effective in protecting against nonmelanoma skin cancer has not been determined.
People whose skin tans poorly or burns easily after sun exposure are particularly susceptible to nonmelanoma skin cancer. These people in particular may benefit by following prevention methods for nonmelanoma skin cancer.
MELANOMA SKIN CANCERStudies have suggested that avoiding sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence, may reduce the incidence of melanoma skin cancer. Sunburn can be avoided by changing patterns of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to high-intensity UV radiation (the sun is strongest from 11 am to 3 pm), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves and hats) when exposed to sunlight, and using sunscreen. Sunscreen is not a substitute for avoidance of sun exposure.
People whose skin tans poorly or who have a large number of abnormal moles may have an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. These people in particular may benefit by following prevention methods for melanoma.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR
 A change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole Any sore or mark on the skin that changes in size, height, color or shape Any area on the skin that becomes itchy or painful, that may bleed or ulcerate |
SCREENING OVERVIEWWhat is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.
SKIN CANCER SCREENINGRoutine examination of the skin increases the chance of finding skin cancer early. Most melanomas that appear on the skin can be seen by the naked eye. If an area on the skin looks abnormal, a biopsy is usually done. The doctor may remove all or part of the growth.
The American Cancer Society recommends two types of skin screenings: the self-exam and a doctor’s exam. Self-exam is best done in front of a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used for areas that are hard to see. A family member can check areas that may be hard for you to see. The doctor’s exam should be part of a routine cancer checkup. The exam can also be done by a health professional who knows how to spot skin cancer.
SKIN CANCER TREATMENTThere are four standard treatments for melanoma cancer patients, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biological therapy. Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary treatment of all stages of melanoma. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Biological therapy is treatment to stimulate the ability of the immune system to fight cancer.
Often, basal cell and squamous cell cancers (non-melanoma cancer) can be cured by fairly minor surgery. These types of cancer can be treated in many different ways; however, the type of treatment that’s most appropriate depends on how large the cancer is, where it is found on the body, as well as the exact type of skin cancer. More specific information regarding the different types of non-melanoma treatment can be found at the American Cancer Society’s website.
SKIN CANCER LINKSSkin Cancer Foundation
1-800-SKIN-490 (1-800-754-6490)
