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May is Skin
Cancer Awareness Month
(May 1999)
Did you know that more than one million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year? That's why May is skin cancer awareness month, a time for people to familiarize themselves with the importance of protecting ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun, and the importance of detecting skin cancers early so they may be treated.
Many people think that a tan is "healthy". In fact, a suntan is really an indication of recent sun damage. The skin produces a pigment as a shield to protect itself from future damage of UV light exposure.
What does UV mean?
UV stands for Ultraviolet Radiation, coming from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. The two types of Ultraviolet Radiation are (UVA), or ultraviolet-A rays, and (UVB), or ultraviolet-B. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage, however UVB is more hazardous than UVA. But there is NO real "safe" UV light
How can we protect ourselves from these rays?
There are many ways to protect ourselves from the sun. One of the most important is to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen will not only prevent bad sunburn, but will help prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you avoid deliberate sunbathing. If you must be in the sun, use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are recommended because they block out both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen on cloudy days. There are many other things you can do to protect your skin from the sun, like wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Long sleeved shirts and long pants will protect your arms and legs. Also avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 p.m. this will help prevent sunburn for this is the time of day when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
What happens if I do get sunburned?
When the skin is exposed to sunlight too long redness may develop and increase for up to 24 hours. Severe sunburn can cause skin tenderness, pain, swelling and blistering. A serious sunburn will cause fever, chills, upset stomach and confusion. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Although there is no cure for minor sunburn, wet compresses, tub baths and soothing lotions may provide some relief.
Examining your skin frequently can lead to early skin cancer diagnosis. If detected early, most skin cancers can be cured. Dr. Kraffert recommends performing a skin self-exam once a month and at least once every three months. Self-exams are very easy and take very little time. The following are some helpful tips on checking your skin.
- Examine your body; front and back; in the mirror. Then inspect your right and left sides with your arms raised.
- Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, upper underarms and palms.
- Look at the backs of your legs and feet, including between your toes and your soles.
- Examine the back of your neck and scalp using a hand mirror. Part your hair for a close look.
- Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
- Ask a partner to help you examine hard to see areas.
What should you look for when doing a self-exam? Simple look for the ABC’s
- Stands for ASYMMETRY, when one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
- Stands for BORDER, when the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular.
- Stands for COLOR, when the color of the mole is not the same throughout or if it has shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.
- Stands for DIAMETER, if the diameter of a mole is larger than the eraser of a pencil
If a mole displays any of these signs, it should be checked immediately by a dermatologist.
Craig Kraffert, M.D.
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