Skin Cancer Can be the ?Silent Killer?

By The New Britain Health Department Nursing Division at April 6, 2012 | 8:30 am | Print

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States with more than 3.5 million cases occurring per year according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. That is more cases per year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Years ago women strived to maintain a pale complexion. Today however, tanned skin is popular.

The fact that so many of the young generation is obsessed with looks is likely a huge factor contributing to high rates of skin cancer.

The first step in protecting yourself against skin cancer is becoming aware of the variety of risk

Factors that exist. Those at highest risk for developing skin cancer include those who expose themselves to too much sun with or without sunscreen and those with pale skin because this increases your risk of sunburn. One blistering sunburn as a child or teenager could more than double your chances of developing skin cancer later in life.

A family history of skin cancer, like many other cancers, increases your risk. Having many or odd shaped moles also increases your risk because these are often the first warning sign that skin cancer may be developing.

Aside from family history, there are many risk factors you can avoid by knowing how to protect yourself. Protective measures including avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because that is when it is the strongest. Seek shade when out in the sun by using an umbrella on the beach or sitting under a tree at a picnic. Apply plenty of sunscreen, preferably the highest SPF available. Wear a hat or put on sunglasses. Your eyes and head are very sensitive to sunburn

because they are not often exposed. Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. While they are typically

promoted as the safe way to tan, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning machines emit 12 times the annual ultraviolet A radiation that one would receive from regular sun exposure. Lastly it is important to be aware that many medications have side effects than are related to sun exposure.

In addition to becoming aware of risk factors and prevention measures, skin exams play an

important role in the fight against skin cancer. A once a month skin check is recommended for both adults and children. Mirrors should be used so that you can see all angles of your body. The most important think to check for is newly occurring moles and moles that have changed. An important way to evaluate moles is by using the ABCDE rule. ?A? stands for asymmetry. Moles should be equal on both halves. ?B? stands for border. The border of any moles should be even and smooth. ?C? stands for color.

Moles on your body should be a single color and that color should not change. ?D? stands for diameter. Your moles should not be larger than the size of a pencil eraser. Last, ?E? stands for elevation. Moles should be fairly flat and should not raise elevation over time. It is important to follow up with your health care provider if you find moles that do not follow these descriptions. The best step in skin cancer prevention is awareness. Know your moles, know your body, and protect yourself.

The New Britain Health Department is holding a skin cancer screening for New Britain Seniors on April 27. Please call 860-826-3464 for information. Appointments are necessary.

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