William Penn Life, 2000 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2000-07-01 / 7. szám
Skin Deep When it comes to sun exposure, pale is beautiful From the American Academy of Dermatology You've heard the saying, "Everything old is new again." Well, that's great news when it comes to saving your skin. Back in the Elizabethan era, porcelain-colored skin tone was all the rage. Now, once again, thanks to an increased awareness of the dangers of sun exposure, we're more likely to see a porcelainskinned beauty like Nicole Kidman on a magazine cover than someone with a deep, dark tan. Dermatologists are glad that people are starting to heed their advice and steer clear of the sun, given that skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions in this country over the past several years. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in 1998, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Worse, the rate of melanoma, the most dangerous of skin cancers, is doubling every eight to 10 years. In fact, the lifetime chance of getting skin cancer is one in five. With that in mind, here's a look at the three forms of skin cancer, who's at risk and treatments. Basal Cell Carcinoma This is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 80 percent of all skin cancers diagnosed in this country. If caught early, the cure rate is better than 95 percent. If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can cause considerable tissue damage resulting in disfigurement. What it looks like: Pearly growth, sometimes with an area that won't heal. It can be translucent and gradually grow, or can look like a sore that won't heal. Potential candidates: People who have gotten chronic skin exposure throughout their life. Treatment: Removed by freezing or surgery. Squamos Cell Carcinoma The second-most common form of the disease, representing 16 percent of all skin cancers. It is 95 percent curable if caught early. But squamos cell carcinoma can spread—and is potentially lethal—if left untreated. What it looks like: Crusty, scaly patch with a hard, callusy surface. Potential candidates: People who have had chronic sun exposure throughout their life. Treatment: If caught early, it can be removed by freezing or surgery. If it spreads, radiation or other more aggressive treatments may be needed. Melanoma Also called "malignant" melanoma, this is the least common, but most deadly, of skin cancers. The AAD figures the odds of getting melanoma are one in 79. If you have a family history of the disease, you're at risk even if you've never been out in the sun. What it looks like: Usually a pigmented mole, sometimes with an uneven border. The color and diameter may change over time. Potential candidates: People who have had several blistering sunburns in youth or adolescence, or those with a family history of the disease. Treatment: Removal of the tumor (excision). The amount of tissue that needs to be cut out depends on the tumor's thickness, so early detection means less invasive surgery. If the cancer has spread, the patient may need chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments. Vaccines, and the study of genetics as it relates to melanoma, are important advances in helping to prevent recurrences. |p|,| Prevention and early detection are key Skin cancer, if not completely preventable, can at least be successfully treated if caught early. Here are some way to protect yourself: • Stay in. Avoid the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. • Cover up. Wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. If the sun can’t get to you, it can’t damage your skin. • Don o cap. Wear a hat with a 4-inch brim to protect your face and neck • Make it routine. Use a broadspectrum sunscreen every day and start putting it on your kids at age six months. • Go higher. If you’ll be outside for any length of time, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, no less than SPF 15. • Re-apply. Even waterproof sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours for maximum protection. • Look for changes. Growing, bleeding, crusting or otherwise changing spots on skin could indicate a problem. • Get to know your skin. Practice skin self-exams to become familiar with your body’s “topography.” Health Links For more information about skin cancer and what you can do to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects, contact your physician or log onto the web site of the American Academy of Dermatology at: O www.aad.org llilliiini Penn Lile, July 2000 5
