5-9-06

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it can be prevented by avoiding over exposure to harmful ultraviolet light.

More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U. S. and approximately 10,000 people die from it each year. Skin cancer is primarily caused by over exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun as well as from tanning salons. It maybe the result of a very bad sunburn years ago or from cumulative sun exposure over many years. Dr. Stephen Stone, professor of dermatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains the types of skin cancer.

SOUND BITE: "The major types include basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common and perhaps the most easily cured. Although all skin cancers are easily cured when caught early. The second most common is squamous cell carcinoma. And the third most common, but the one we worry about most and are most concerned about, is malignant melanoma."

People who are at highest risk of getting skin cancer are those with light skin who always burn from too much sun exposure, while people with dark skin have the lowest risk of skin cancer from ultraviolet light. To avoid over exposure from the sun’s damaging rays, Dr. Stone offers this advice:

SOUND BITE: "The most important thing you can do today to protect yourself from skin cancer is be sun smart. Sun smart means applying a sunscreen on a daily basis. You have to apply it generously. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen. If you are wearing shorts and short sleeves and are apply it to your lower legs, your face, your arms and the backs of your hands, that takes about an ounce of sunscreen . . ."

Self examinations and skin screenings can detect skin cancer in its early stages. If you or someone you know has a skin spot that could be skin cancer, see a dermatologist or primary care physician for an evaluation and possible treatment.

This is Ruth Slottag at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield.