Skin cancer continues to rise despite health warnings
Shelly Webb
June 5, 2011
262
SummaryWe all love the sun and after a long winter most of us embrace the suns warmth with vigor. But as good as the sun feels it can be a real health danger.
StorySkin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and anyone can get it. The main risk factor for skin cancer is hard to avoid its the sun. Yes, the warm, glowing sun that gives us and our planet life is also a primary risk factor for skin cancer. In addition to the sun, tanning beds are also a major force behind skin cancer.
Even though public awareness of skin cancer has increased over the years, today skin cancer is on the rise like never before. In fact, according to local dermatologist and (Mohs) micrographic surgeon, Dr. Rene Bermudez D.O., skin cancer today is at epidemic levels.
Skin cancer is a very serious issue today, Bermudez shared. Skin cancer is cancer, it is never benign when the word cancer is used and we are seeing these cancers today at epidemic proportions.
Many people assume wearing sunscreen makes them completely safe from developing skin cancer, but Bermudez says that is not the case.
Sunscreen alone is not enough to prevent skin cancer, he said. If you are going to be out in the sun, especially during the critical hours between 10am and 4 pm, you must take additional precautions. Wear a hat and protective clothing and get in the shade whenever you can. Make sure the sunscreen you use is at least 30SPF and make sure it provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.
The UVB rays are usually blamed for sunburns while the UVA rays are associated with wrinkling, aging and can also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays. UVA rays are also now being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own.
In addition to using good safety measures when it comes to the sun, Dr. Bermudez strongly cautions against tanning bed use.
I see patients that are very young sometimes with serious skin cancers that normally would take many years to develop, he said. Many of these patients have used tanning beds excessively in their teenage years. Tanning beds need to be taken seriously when it comes to skin cancers and individuals need to exercise caution.
Skin cancer can be non-symptomatic in many cases. Bermudez says that many skin cancers have no pain, no oozing and no real symptom. Sometimes its as simple as a bump or an area that will not heal.
If you have anything new in any area on the skin it probably should be checked out, Bermudez said. Also if you have a spot that is fragile, bleeds easily and seems not to heal, it should be looked at.
Moles should be paid attention to as well. If you have a mole that starts to change in any way, you should contact your physician. There are certain things you should look for in a mole. The American Academy of Dermatology uses the acronym, ABCDE to help individuals know what signs to look for in skin changes and moles.
A (Asymmetric)divide the mole in half and make sure both sides are the same; B (Border)make sure the borders of the area are not jagged or uneven; C (Color)having a variety of colors is a warning sign, a number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color; D (Diameter)if the diameter is larger than a pencil eraser it should be examined by a dermatologist; E (Evolving)Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting can be signs of danger.
It is important for everyone to conduct self-examinations using mirrors and good lighting to make sure there are no new legions or changes on any area of the skin. If you have any concerns or questions it is best to set up an exam with a dermatologist.
Using sunscreen and taking precautions when you are outdoors in the sun are very important. Despite the wide availability of sunscreen and the increased awareness of skin cancer, Bermudez says there has been no decrease at all in the number of skin cancers.
There has been no decrease at all, he shared. Its just the opposite actually, there is more skin cancer diagnosiss now than in the past. Its important for everyone to get on board and take precautions because skin cancer can be very serious.
