REPORT #1480
BACKGROUND: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. About one in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. There are several different types of skin cancer, including the following:
· Basal cell carcinoma: This is the most common form of skin cancer. They are rarely fatal but can be highly disfiguring.
· Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in about 2,500 deaths.
· Melanoma: This is the deadliest, most serious form of skin cancer. More than 62,000 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, resulting in more than 8,000 deaths. The incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than almost any other cancer.
RISK FACTORS: So, what puts you at risk for melanoma? One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. Also, a person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age. Being Caucasian, having light hair and light eyes and a family history of melanoma also increases the risk, but anyone can get this cancer.
COMMON MYTHS: There are several common myths about skin cancer. Some of these include:
1. Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer: While fair-skinned people are at a much higher risk, African Americans and Asians can also get melanoma. The cancer often shows up under fingernails or on the soles of feet in dark-skinned people. The risk of dying from skin cancer is also greater in these populations. For example, African Americans have a 45 percent survival rate at five years, while Caucasians have close to a 70 percent survival rate (Source: American Cancer Society).
2. Only burns lead to skin cancer: It's true that burns can increase your risk of melanoma, but any sun exposure can lead to cancer. Dermatologist Michelle Pelle, M.D., says, "No tan is safe. Every time you're sun-exposed, you're damaging DNA."
3. Lip gloss can protect skin: A new study reveals just the opposite. Researchers from Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas recently found shiny lip balms and glosses attract ultraviolet rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. Experts recommend using a non-glossy lip sun block with an SPF of 30.
4. Tanning beds are safer: Not true! Experts say 20 minutes in a bed is equal to about four hours in the sun.
5. Clothes protect against the sun: Wearing a t-shirt is not effective sun protection. Experts say you should consider putting sun block under your clothes and/or wearing clothes rated for sun protection. Today, there are beach clothing products that have a built-in SPF.
6. Skin cancer is always genetic: Researchers have found only between five and
10 percent of melanomas are thought to be genetic. The overwhelming majority are likely caused by skin damage due to sun exposure.
For More Information, Contact:
Florida Hospital Cancer Institute
Orlando, FL
(800) 375-7761
http://www.floridahospitalcancer.com
