Everyone who reads by blogs, thank you- by the way!- knows that I am a thyroid cancer survivor as well as a breast cancer survivor. What I have not talked about is that I also am a skin cancer survivor. I had thyroid cancer in 2010, and breast cancer in 2015. In between those two cancers, I had squamous cell carcinoma on my leg, and basal cell carcinoma on my face. The treatment for both cancers was surgery; no other treatment was required, because they were detected early and had not spread to any of my lymph nodes. Early detection and treatment is KEY so I decided to provide some skin cancer facts, as well as suggested ways to prevent skin cancer.
First of all, skin cancer is the MOST common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology ( AAD). Listed below are some more facts about skin cancer from the AAD:
* It is estimated that one out of five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes.
*Approximately 9,500 people EVERY DAY in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer.
*Non-melanoma skin cancers ( basal and squamous cell) affect more than 3 million Americans per year.
* Women have a greater increase of having basal and squamous cell cancer compared to men.
* Melanoma ( the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer) is said to be the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women.
*Melanoma rates in the U.S. have doubled over the past 30 years.
* The good news is that melanoma incidence has begun to decline in adolescents and adults 30 years of age and younger.
* Skin cancer can affect anyone- regardless of skin color.
* Skin cancer rates are higher in women than in men before age 50, but are higher in men after age 50.
* It is estimated than melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women during their lifetimes.
* Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are the two most common types of skin cancers, are highly treatable if detected early and treated appropriately.
The AAD encourages everyone to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing ( long sleeve shirts, pants, and a wide brimmed hat) as well as avoiding indoor tanning beds. The best, most protective outdoor clothing has ultraviolet protection factor ( UPF) on the label. Severe sunburns as a child increase the likelihood of skin cancer as an adult, so children need to be protected appropriately.
* Risk factors for ALL types of skin cancer include people with skin that burns easily; blonde or red hair ( I have red hair!); a history of excessive sun exposure; frequent sunburns- especially as a child; tanning bed use; a weakened immune system; and a history of skin cancer.
I could not find, in the articles that I read, a consensus on how often a person should see a dermatologist for a skin check. Just from personal experience, I would recommend sooner rather than later, especially for cancer patients who have weakened immune systems. It is important to self check one's skin and pay attention to any moles or spots that change, darken or bleed, as well as irregularly shaped places that may be crusty and red in color.
Personally, I go once a year to see my dermatologist ( I went more often right after my basal and squamous cell carcinomas were diagnosed) for a full body skin check. I can go more often if I need something checked out. Right before Christmas, I had a pre-cancerous lesion removed from my scalp. First, my dermatologist did a biopsy ( we cancer patients sure are familiar with THOSE) and in the abundance of caution, the lesion was removed. I had had this " spot" for quite some time, and my dermatologist felt that it was wise to remove it before it became cancerous. Yes, I had stitches in my head for Christmas...I did get two cute hats, though!
Seriously, skin cancer is , as the AAD said, the most common cancer in the United States. Survival rates for basal and squamous are very good if detected and treated early. Even with melanoma, according to AAD statistics, the five year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected early with no spread to lymph nodes is 99%. That is compared to 68% if the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes and 30% if the melanoma has spread to distant lymph nodes and other organs in the body.
The take away from my blog would be this: use sun protection regularly, avoid tanning beds at all costs, and get a full body skin check once a year or as often as your dermatologist recommends. The National Institutes of Health describes our skin as " the largest organ in the body, and covers the body's entire external surface." If we take care of our skin, it will take care of us.
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