HealthWatch: June 2007

Skin Cancer Prevention Month

National Sun Safety Week: June 3 – 9 2007

Skin cancer has become the fastest growing and most common form of cancer in the United States. Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are considered to be the two leading forms of skin cancer among patients. It is usually found on the head, face, neck, hands and arms, which are all areas that are exposed to the sun on a daily basis. According to recent research, more than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.

Estimated new cases and deaths from skin (non-melanoma) cancer in the United States in 2007:
New cases: more than 1,000,000
Deaths: less than 2,000
-National Cancer Institute

No matter your age, race, or sex, you can develop skin cancer. It is proven that skin cancer is more common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned in the past. Skin cancer is also found often in people who are over the age of fifty, either have light-colored skin, hair or eyes or have a family member with skin cancer. Skin cancer is different than other cancers because there are ways to protect yourself and loved ones, and if detected early enough, it can be treated.

Below are a few tips for preventing skin cancer:

Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

Resource: The Skin Cancer Foundation

Local Resources

Akron Children’s Hospital: Sun Damage at All Time High Among Teens
The Cleveland Clinic: Stopping Skin Cancer Starts with Awareness
Ohio Cancer Research Associates: Cancer Information Link
MetroHealth: Cancer Care Center
University Hospitals: Support Services for Cancer

State and National Resources

American Cancer Society: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
MayoClinic: Treatment for Skin Cancer
SkinCancerNet: What Skin Cancer Looks Like
The Cancer Blog: SunWise-Skin Cancer Prevention Kit for Kids
The Skin Cancer Foundation : SunSmart Living
National Cancer Institute: Prevention, Genetics, and Causes
(1-800-4-CANCER): Information Specialists at NCI’s Cancer Information Service can answer your questions about cancer. They also can send NCI booklets, fact sheets, and other materials.