Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US
Skin cancer effects about the same number of patients as all other cancers
combined according to the American Cancer Society. It is the most common
cancer in the United States, affecting some one million Americans each
year. Baby boomers who had severe sunburns as children or who, as adults,
play in the sun are a high-risk population for developing skin cancers.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV
radiation from tanning beds or sun lamps may also cause skin cancer.
The most common types of skin cancer, squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma,
are curable in more than 98 percent of patients but early detection and
treatment are crucial says UI Health Care dermatologists Chris Arpey,
M.D. Of the two, squamous cell carcinoma is the most dangerous. The prognosis
for melanoma patients is not as positive because the melanoma tumor may
spread to other parts of the body, invading major organs. The incidence
of melanoma is lower than other types of skin cancer, but it is responsible
for 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer. While squamous cell carcinoma
may also spread, Arpey says it is not as threatening as melanoma.
If you notice any change in a preexisting skin growth or the development
of a new growth or open sore that fails to heal, contact a UI Department
of Dermatology or UI Family Care physician immediately, or call UI Health
Access at 800-777-8442 or 319-384-8442 to make an appointment. If it is
a precursor condition, early treatment may prevent it from developing
into cancer.
Squamous cell cancer warning signs include: A wart-like growth that crusts
and occasionally bleeds; a persistent, scaly red patch with irregular
borders that sometimes crusts or bleed; an open sore that bleeds and crusts
and persists for week; an elevated growth with a central depression that
occasionally bleeds; and a growth of this type may rapidly increase in
size.
Basal cell cancer warning signs include: An open sore that bleeds or
remains open for three or more weeks; a reddish patch or irritated area
that may itch or hurt; a shiny bump that is pearly or translucent and
is often pink, red, or white; a pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled
border and crusted indentation; and a scar-like area that is white, yellow
or waxy.
The prognosis for melanoma patients is not as positive because the melanoma
tumor may spread to other parts of the body, invading major organs. The
incidence of melanoma is lower than other types of skin cancer, but it
is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer. While squamous
cell carcinoma may also spread Arpey says it is not as threatening as
melanoma. Melanoma warning signs include growth of a new mole, or if an
existing mole itches, bleeds, grows, or changes in the size, shape, or
color.
University of Iowa Health Care will present a Health for Your Lifetime
seminar in May about skin cancers. For more information, or to register,
contact UI Health Access at 800-777-8442 or 319-384-8442.
Don't be a redneck
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Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade
when possible.
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Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and
has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, even on cloudy
days.
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Sunscreens should be used anytime you will be in the sun for more
than 20 minutes. Apply the sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going
outdoors.
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Don't forget your lips, use a lip balm containing sunscreen.
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Re-apply the sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Look
for a waterproof variety if you will be sweating or swimming.
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Wear protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats, long pants and
long-sleeved shirts.
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Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
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