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Buddy Check9: Skin Cancer

Buddy Check9 is a program that encourages you to find a ‘buddy’ to call and remind him/her to get screened or checked for a cancer.  On the 9th of every month, 9News will highlight the symptoms, treatments and prevention of different cancers.     May:  Skin Cancer   Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? In addition to the most common, there are various forms of skin cancer.

Buddy Check9 is a program that encourages you to find a ‘buddy’ to call and remind him/her to get screened or checked for a cancer. On the 9th of every month, 9News will highlight the symptoms, treatments and prevention of different cancers.

May: Skin Cancer

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? In addition to the most common, there are various forms of skin cancer.

  • Basal cell carcinoma - the most common type -usually develops on sun-exposed areas like the neck and head.
  • Squamous cell carcinomas are also found on sun-exposed areas like the ears, face, hands, neck, and lips.
  • Melanomas are not as common as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but are more likely to grow and spread if left untreated.

Other less common types of skin cancer account for about 1% of all skin cancers.

Information provided by the American Cancer Society and cancer.org

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell.html

Skin Cancer Prevention

● Avoid the sun, especially mid-day sun

● Wear sun protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt or a wide-brimmed hat

● Enjoy the shade

● Wear Sunglasses

● Use sunscreen everyday on exposed skin. Be sure to reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.

Did you know that windows filter UVB but not UVA rays? Did you know that UV rays pass through clouds and that snow reflects 80% of the sun’s UV rays? For more information on protection from UV rays, visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html

QUIZ:

Take the American Cancer Society’s Sun Safety Quiz to find out if you are sun safe!! https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun/sun-safety.html

Symptoms

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma usually show up on sun-exposed skin and can appear differently. For details on what to look for, visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html

ABCDEs of Melanoma

A simple way to remember the signs of melanoma is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma—

● “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?

● “B” stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?

● “C” is for color. Is the color uneven?

● “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?

● “E” is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?

Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/symptoms.htm

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/abcds-of-melanoma-skin-cancer

Risk Factors

● A lighter natural skin color.

● Family history of skin cancer.

● A personal history of skin cancer.

● Exposure to the sun through work and play.

● A history of sunburns, especially early in life.

● A history of indoor tanning.

● Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.

● Blue or green eyes.

● Blond or red hair.

● Certain types and a large number of moles.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

Screening Guidelines

● Patients with prior history of skin cancer should follow up with their dermatologist on a regular basis.

● The American Academy of Dermatologists, the Skin Cancer Foundation and others recommends that people regularly check their skin for suspicious spots including anything changing, itching, or bleeding. If you find something call your doctor or visit a dermatologist.


http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-prevention-guidelines/melanoma-screening-saves-lives

Upcoming Events

Free skin cancer screenings at Lutheran Medical Center on May 13th. Appointments are required, please register for a time slot or call the Answerline at 303-689-4595 to register by phone.

https://www.sclhealth.org/classes-events/lutheran/cancer-support/skin-cancer-screening-2017/?esk=0850+skin+screen+5_13+b

Miles For Melanoma June 25, 2017 Stapleton Central Park, Denver, CO Join this 5K run/walk to raise funds to support research, education and advocacy for melanoma. For more information or to register: http://bit.ly/2oyCNbE

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