It is estimated that there are about a million
people in the United States are diagnosed with
skin cancer annually. Although anyone can get
skin cancer, the risk is greater for people who
always burn, never tan, and are fair with red or
blonde hair; green or blue eyes and freckles
have a greater chance of developing skin cancer.
Learn more about it with the following
frequently asked questions:
Q. Is sun exposure the main cause of skin
cancer?
A.
Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet (UV)
radiation sun is the main cause of skin cancer.
Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as
sunlamps and tanning booths, also contribute to
the risk of developing skin cancer.
Q. What are the types of skin cancer?
A.
The most common kinds of skin cancer are basal
cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and
melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma arises from the
basal cells, small round cells found in the
lower part (or base) of the epidermis.
Squamous cell
carcinoma begins in squamous cells, which are
thin, flat cells that look like fish scales
found in the tissue that forms the surface of
the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the
body, and the passages of the respiratory and
digestive tracts.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
are sometimes called nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Another type of cancer that occurs in the skin
is melanoma that arises in melanocytes, the
cells that produce pigment. Melanoma usually
begins in a mole.
Q. What are the early warning signs?
A.
The ABCD's of melanoma are as follows:
-
A - Asymmetry
(common moles are round and symmetrical)
-
B - Border
(skin cancers may have uneven borders)
-
C - Color
(watch for varied shades of brown, tan or
black and also red, white, and blue)
-
D - Diameter
(if a spot is larger than a pencil eraser
(6mm or ¼ inch in diameter) it could be
trouble)
Q. How does a mole change?
A.
Aside from the ABCD’s, you should watch out for
these changes:
-
Size – mole
suddenly or continuously gets larger
-
Elevation – a
mole that was flat or slightly elevated
increases in height rapidly
-
Surrounding
skin – skin around the mole becomes red or
develops colored blemishes or swellings
-
Surface – a
smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion,
oozing, crusting, ulceration, bleeding
-
Sensation –
there is itching, tenderness or pain.
Q. How can skin cancer be prevented?
A.
Whenever possible, people should avoid exposure
to the midday sun (from 10AM to 2PM). Keep in
mind that protective clothing, such as sun hats
and long sleeves, can block out the sun's
harmful rays. Also, lotions that contain
sunscreens can protect the skin.
