The Dangers of Skin The Dangers of Skin CancerCancer

Are we educated enough?Are we educated enough?

Statement of the ProblemStatement of the Problem

Even though we have been educated on the dangers of skin cancer and its prevention, Melanoma/skin cancer continues to increase at an alarming rate.

Background leading to the Background leading to the problemproblem

• Lack of Knowledge“No big deal?”

YES! It is a big deal.

Types include:• Basil Cell• Melanoma• Squamous Cell

Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion

• Harmful effects of UV-B• Location

Lattitude/Longitue• Time of day• Ultra Violet Index

Are Tan Skins Cool?Are Tan Skins Cool?

• Behavior and attitude

Tanning SalonTanning Salon

There's more evidence on the hazards of tanning beds. Baking under their artificial lamps as little as once a month can boost your risk of a deadly form of skin cancer by 55% -- and the danger is even greater when done in early adulthood.

Significance to Optimal HealthSignificance to Optimal Health

• Spending time outdoors in the fresh air does wonders for the body and soul. Just remember that your skin needs extra protection from the sun.

Types of Skin CancerTypes of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas

Types of Skin CancerTypes of Skin Cancer

Malignant Melanoma

Other Effects From the SunOther Effects From the Sun

• Skin Damage

• Cataracts and Other Eye Damage

• Immune Suppression

Other ProblemsOther Problems

In terms of cancer types; skin cancer history In terms of cancer types; skin cancer history was most strongly tied to liver cancer, was most strongly tied to liver cancer,

followed by Hodgkin disease, leukemia, and followed by Hodgkin disease, leukemia, and lung cancer.lung cancer.

Women who have had the most common Women who have had the most common forms of skin cancer are 2.3 times as likely to forms of skin cancer are 2.3 times as likely to

also get deadlier cancers such as breast, also get deadlier cancers such as breast, lung, and colon.lung, and colon.

Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

• Don’t sunbathe• Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00

p.m.• When outdoors use SPF 15 or higher without SPF 15 reddening takes 20 mins with SPF 15 reddening takes 5 hours (reapply

every 2 hours & after swimming) Several sunburns over course of a lifetime can

double/ triple melanoma risk no matter when sunburns occurred

Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, UV- protective sunglasses

• Stay away from artificial tanning devices• Teach children good sun protection habits at an

early age. Damages that lead to adult skin cancers start in childhood

• Examine self from head to toe once every 3 months

• Tinted windows in automobile

Year Round ProtectionYear Round Protection

• During winter ( Reflections from snow can double the UV rays from the sun)

• UV radiation is not only associated with heat Clouds/ Haze- water droplets magnify UV rays. Latitude- closer to the equator, more potent sun rays. Altitude- UV radiation increases 4-5% every 1000 ft. above

sea level. Reflection- water, sand, concrete and snow reflect 90% of

UV rays. Photosensitive Reactions- medicines for acne or antibiotics

Variety of ApproachVariety of Approach

• UVB causes basal, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma.

• UVA causes wrinkling, leathering, photo aging because it penetrates deeper and exacerbates UVB effects.

Youth Sun CareYouth Sun Care

• Avoid sunburns as a child.

• Babies under 6 months old should spend very little time in the sun. If exposed to the sun protective clothing and sunglasses should be worn.

• Children over 6 months should always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.

The ABCD’s of Skin CancerThe ABCD’s of Skin Cancer

• A – Asymmetry

• B – Border

• C – Color

• D – Diameter

TreatmentsTreatments

• Removal – Laser / Excision or cutting out

• Surgery – lymph nodes

• Chemotherapy / Immunotherapy

• Benign / Malignant

Latest News of Sunscreens Long-Latest News of Sunscreens Long-term Effectsterm Effects

• Sunscreen as of now is tested with a significant and favorable impact on public health as part of an overall strategy to reduce UV exposure.

Start EarlyStart Early• Parents should educate

their children immediately!

– Experts warn that even one severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of skin cancer.

– Kids get 80% of their life time sun before age 18.

– Safety tips must be practiced constantly!

Best ProtectionBest Protection

• Besides using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, a regularly scheduled full-body exam by your health care professional is key to prevention!– This is because melanoma can occur on

areas of your body that are not exposed to the sun.

– It often takes a trained eye to spot melanoma in early stages.

Self ExaminationSelf Examination

• You should examine yourself regularly

• The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, standing in front of a full length mirror.

• Use a handheld mirror to help you view areas that are difficult to see.

• If you notice any odd-looking mole or marking, contact your doctor ASAP!

Solution to the ProblemSolution to the Problem• Sun Avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer• Visit your dermatologist at least once a year

– Early detection is the surest way to a cure!

Sun Screen! Sun Screen! Sun Screen!

If Not AddressedIf Not Addressed

• About 91,900 new cases of melanoma in the United States, in 2003

• 7,600 are expected to die from melanoma (4,700 men and 2,900 women)

PreventionPrevention

• Sun Block

• Reduce your Exposure of the Sun

• Protective Clothing

• Self Exam

• Dermatology visits

• Education and Awareness

Best PreventionBest Prevention

• Education and Awareness

*Do a personal skin cancer profile.

*For more information visit www.aad.org

*Call the Skin Cancer Institute at1-800-424-6724

The Dangers of Skin CancerThe Dangers of Skin Cancer

Presented by:

Melissa AndersonFrancis Llave

Julia McElmoyleJeff PoeEri Saito

Jeb Stewart