How to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Canada. UV radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, though artificial UV sources like sunlamps and tanning booths are also cancer-causing.
Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have:
· fair or freckled skin
· had sunburn during childhood
· lots of moles, particularly a mole called dysplastic nevus
· family history of melanoma
· used tanning beds
· severe skin damage, including burns
· a history of immune disorders, skin keratoses, or previous skin disorder treatment
· had exposure to certain substances, including arsenic and petroleum
Though changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer, it is important to see a doctor if any symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks. Don’t wait for the area to hurt — skin cancers seldom cause pain. 95% of skin cancers can be cured if they are discovered and brought to a doctor’s attention before they have a chance to spread. Check your skin regularly.
Signs of malignant melanoma: (the most dangerous skin cancer, that can spread to other organs and be fatal)
See your doctor immediately if…
· An existing mole or dark patch is getting larger or a new one is growing.
· A mole has a ragged outline (ordinary moles are smooth and regular).
· A mole has a mixture of different shades of brown and black (ordinary moles may be dark brown but are all one shade).
The following signs do not necessarily mean that you have a melanoma, but you should still look out for them. If your mole or dark patch does not return to normal within two weeks, don’t ignore it – see your doctor.
· An inflamed mole, or one with a reddish edge.
· A mole that starts to bleed, ooze or crust.
· A change in sensation of a mole, like a mild itch.
· A mole that is bigger than all your other moles.
Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer: (slow-growing cancers that seldom spread to other parts of the body)
· A new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks.
· A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed.
· Persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes.
How do I avoid skin cancer?
Even sunscreen does not offer total protection from the sun’s rays, and using it is only one way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. UV rays are the strongest at noon, so seek out the shade between 10AM and 3PM whenever possible.
How do I use sunscreen properly?
· Try to apply it 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun.
· Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in lightly.
· Use generous amounts (golf ball-size quantities for small children).
· Re-apply every two hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off.
· Put on before make-up, moisturiser, and insect repellent.
National Institute on Aging http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/skin.htm
Nursing Standard Magazine, http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/residentpdfs/patientcards/6skincare.pdf
Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have:
· fair or freckled skin
· had sunburn during childhood
· lots of moles, particularly a mole called dysplastic nevus
· family history of melanoma
· used tanning beds
· severe skin damage, including burns
· a history of immune disorders, skin keratoses, or previous skin disorder treatment
· had exposure to certain substances, including arsenic and petroleum
Though changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer, it is important to see a doctor if any symptom lasts longer than 2 weeks. Don’t wait for the area to hurt — skin cancers seldom cause pain. 95% of skin cancers can be cured if they are discovered and brought to a doctor’s attention before they have a chance to spread. Check your skin regularly.
Signs of malignant melanoma: (the most dangerous skin cancer, that can spread to other organs and be fatal)
See your doctor immediately if…
· An existing mole or dark patch is getting larger or a new one is growing.
· A mole has a ragged outline (ordinary moles are smooth and regular).
· A mole has a mixture of different shades of brown and black (ordinary moles may be dark brown but are all one shade).
The following signs do not necessarily mean that you have a melanoma, but you should still look out for them. If your mole or dark patch does not return to normal within two weeks, don’t ignore it – see your doctor.
· An inflamed mole, or one with a reddish edge.
· A mole that starts to bleed, ooze or crust.
· A change in sensation of a mole, like a mild itch.
· A mole that is bigger than all your other moles.
Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer: (slow-growing cancers that seldom spread to other parts of the body)
· A new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks.
· A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed.
· Persistent skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes.
How do I avoid skin cancer?
Even sunscreen does not offer total protection from the sun’s rays, and using it is only one way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. UV rays are the strongest at noon, so seek out the shade between 10AM and 3PM whenever possible.
How do I use sunscreen properly?
· Try to apply it 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun.
· Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in lightly.
· Use generous amounts (golf ball-size quantities for small children).
· Re-apply every two hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off.
· Put on before make-up, moisturiser, and insect repellent.
National Institute on Aging http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/agepages/skin.htm
Nursing Standard Magazine, http://www.nursing-standard.co.uk/archives/residentpdfs/patientcards/6skincare.pdf
posted by Lu Hill at 11:33 a.m.
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