Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 20, 1993 TAG: 9305200018
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOE HUNNINGS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
A: In the United States today, there is a growing epidemic of skin cancer with approximately 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
At current rates, one in seven Americans will develop some form of skin cancer as a result of overexposure to the unprotected skin to the invisible, ultraviolet - UV - rays of the sun.
Q: Who is at risk?
A: Everyone is at risk, but some more so than others, including:
People with fair skin and blue eyes (less melanin in the skin means more risk).
Outdoor workers (gardeners, farmers, construction workers, etc.).
Those who have unusual moles or many moles on their skin.
People whose families have a history of skin cancer.
Those who participate in outdoor recreation and leisure activities.
Q: Which parts of the body are most likely to be affected by skin cancer?
A: The head, neck, forearms and hands are the most common sites of skin cancer. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur at these locations.
Q: What are the types of skin cancer?
A: There are three types:
\ A. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It begins as a small, shiny nodule on exposed areas of the skin, such as the hands, face and neck. If left untreated, there will be repeated episodes of bleeding and crusting.
\ B. Squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by a red nodule or a patch of scaly or crusted skin on the ears, face or lips. It also may appear on areas of skin usually protected by clothing, such as on the abdomen and legs.
\ C. Melanoma is a malignant tumor, and its incidence is on the increase. Melanoma begins as a symmetrical, dark, mole-like growth with irregular edges and pigmentation. The dark growth may change shades to either red,
blue or white. It appears most frequently on the upper back of men and women, the torso of men and the lower legs of women. It also runs in families.
Q: Is skin cancer curable?
A: When detected and treated early, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas have an excellent cure rate.
If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma may extend below the skin to the bones, and squamous cell carcinoma may spread to other locations in the body.
Some forms of melanoma have a good prognosis if detected early. However, melanoma accounts for 75 percent of the deaths due to skin cancer.
Everyone needs to see a physician if a new growth, mole or discoloration or a sudden change in an existing mole is noticed. Early detection of skin cancer is the first step for a successful cure.
Q: Is skin cancer preventable?
A: Yes! Skin cancer is a preventable disease that is affecting a growing number of farmers, other outdoor workers and sunbathers.
Persons with fair hair and skin should pay special attention to the risk of skin cancer and follow the methods of prevention discussed below.
Persons whose lifestyles permit more leisure hours outdoors and those who wear relaxed styles of dress need to take precautions.
Skin cancer prevention begins with babies. It's vital that parents protect their children and teach them the hazards and appropriate actions to reduce the risk.
Recent research indicates a link between severe sunburns in childhood and an increased risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.
Q: What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
Wear protective hats to shield the head and neck from direct sun exposure. Baseball caps only provide protection to the forehead.
Wide brim hats will provide protection to most of the face as well as to the ears and the back of the neck.
Wear protective clothing consisting of long-sleeve shirts and trousers.
Use a sunscreen product on unprotected skin. Select a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor - SPF - of at least 15 and which also is water-resistant to avoid dilution from sweat. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
Limit exposure if possible. The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you have a previous history of skin cancer, try to avoid direct exposure to the sun during these times.
Protect children by using these actions and by teaching them to protect themselves.
Encourage your family members, friends, business associates, teammates, etc., to follow these guidelines.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service would like to thank physician Stanley H. Schuman of the agromedicine program of the Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University for writing the fact sheet on which this article was based.
Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in Christiansburg. If you have questions call the Montgomery County extension office at 382-5790.
by CNB