How to prevent skin cancers
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. You are more likely to develop skin cancer in your lifetime than any other cancer. However, it is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. Here’s how to prevent or treat the three main forms of skin cancer:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is more common in Australia than all other cancers combined. It tends to be slow growing and does not move to other organs. It’s not deadly but it can cause compromised function and cosmetic disfigurement. BCC typically starts out looking like a pimple, but it never disappears. It slowly enlarges in size and may become a non-healing sore.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common cancer in Australia. Most are low-risk and easily treated, but about four percent of cases travel to other organs, and one in 50 patients with SCC will die from the cancer (this number increases in high-risk patients such as those with organ transplants, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or other conditions that lower your immune system). Pre-cancer growths called solar keratoses (sunspots) start out looking like a rough spot that may develop into SCCs. Sunspots can be more easily treated. Once malignant, SCCs may enlarge and become tender and bleed.
Melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer. If caught in its early stages, melanoma is very curable. It, however, can be deadly if left untreated. Look for the “ABCDE” signs of melanoma: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, more than one or uneven Color distribution, Diameter greater than 6 millimeters and, most importantly, any mole that is Evolving or changing.
Prevention
BCC’s and SCCs are caused mainly by long-term sun exposure. SCC is also more common in people with chronic scars, certain viruses, a history of radiation or with a weakened immune system. Melanoma is more common in those with a personal or family history of melanoma, people with unusual or large numbers of moles, people who sunburn easily or have used UV-based artificial tanning.
Protect your skin by wearing sun protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Avoid getting sunburns and using UV-based artificial tanning.
Book an appointment for a comprehensive full-body skin check. Those at greatest risk need yearly exams.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for skin cancer, ranging from topical chemotherapy cream to radiation to surgery. You and your doctor can discuss the various treatment options, which at places like Queensland Skin Cancer Clinic include advanced techniques.
