6-2-09

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 one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U. S.  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 an accumulation of sun exposure over many years.  Dr. Lucinda Buescher, associate professor of dermatology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, explains the types of skin cancer.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . the three that are the most commonly associated with ultraviolet light are basil cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma.  And the most common of all those is the basil cell skin cancer, which fortunately is the easiest cancer to treat and to cure.  The squamous cell skin cancer is a little bit less common . . .”

Dr. Buescher, a member of the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at SIU, says the third most common type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which is black, brown or multiple colors.  It is the most serious kind and can cause death, so it should be removed as soon as possible.  She explains which individuals are most susceptible to cancer.

SOUND BITE:  “In general, the people who do not tan well.  These people usually have fair skin most of their lives.  That means their skin doesn’t tan.  Instead it would burn the first few times they would go out in the summer.  Or it would freckle very easily.  In general those people have light colored hair in childhood.  They will be at higher risk for skin cancer later in life.”

Dr. Buescher encourages people to do self examinations for changes in their skin and have skin screenings to detect skin cancer in its early stages.  If you or someone you know has a skin spot that is unusual or might even be cancer, you should see your primary care physician or dermatologist for an evaluation and possible treatment.

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