Skin Cancer
In Iowa, the estimated number of skin cancers projected to be diagnosed in 2007 is 580. Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people have higher risk factors. If a person has fair skin, freckles, red or light hair and has light eyes he or she is at higher risk. If a person works outside with no skin protection, he or she is at even higher risk for developing skin cancer at some point in their life. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Tanning beds can also cause skin cancer.
Skin cancer is divided into two groups, melanoma and non-melanoma. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell, which are both non-melanomas. Basal cell accounts for 90% of all skin cancers in the U.S. Both types of cancers have the ability to spread to other organs, metastasis, but seldom do. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer, spreads to other organs and is the deadliest.
To reduce the risks of getting skin cancer, wear sunscreen 15 SPF or higher, wear head coverings and sunglasses, and don’t go outside between 10 am & 3 pm—this is when the sun is its most dangerous. It is important to protect children from the rays of the sun as well. What children are exposed to early in life, will affect them when they are older. Most skin cancers appear after age 50.
Skin cancer can be cured 100% of the time if it is detected before it metastases. A person should bring any changes of the skin or moles to a doctor’s attention, doctors should check the skin during regular physical exams, and everyone should check their own skin for changes regularly. To check yourself, use a well lighted room and a full length or hand held mirror. Check all areas including feet, back, scalp and genitals for changes in the skin.
If skin cancer is diagnosed, the person should always talk to their doctor about the many treatment options and ask many questions. Once any type of cancer is diagnosed the patient, physician and the physician’s staff become a team in treating the cancer. Becoming involved and knowledgeable is an important way to cope and take control of your care.
