American Cancer Society Offers Skin Basics

As the temperature rises and thoughts turn to flip-flops, barbecues and lazy summer days at the beach, the American Cancer Society reminds you to play it safe to reduce your risk for skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and accounts for about half of all cases in the United States. The ACS estimates 47,700 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year and about 7,700 people are expected to die of the disease. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer every year, including an estimated 1,900 people who are expected to die of nonmelanomous skin cancer this year.

Ironically, though, skin cancer is the most preventable cancer. Over 80 percent of skin cancers could be prevented by protecting ourselves from the sun’s rays.

"The best was to protect yourself from skin cancer is to limit unprotected exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is the hottest," said Evelyn Dries, ACS vice president for cancer prevention and detection.

When outdoor activity is a must, the American Cancer Society recommends you Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, and Slap on a hat in order to protect yourself from the sun’s strong rays. A poll recently conducted by the ACS the Discovery Channel found that 77 percent of men and women believe using sunscreen when they are outdoors greatly contributes to reducing the risk of cancer. Yet when asked what steps they have taken to reduce their risk of getting cancer, just 13 percent say they protect their skin from the sun. Remembering to Slip! Slop! Slap! can help make those lazy summer days worry-free.

All skin types need protection from the sun, although individuals with a fair complexion and red or blond hair are at a higher risk for skin cancer. People who live in a sunny climate or who are in the sunlight often without protection are also at risk, as are individuals with many moles or a family history of melanoma.

Adults should take special care in protecting children and adolescents. Research shows a link between childhood sunburns and the development of skin cancer and melanoma later in life. It is important to note, however, that sunscreen is not recommended for children less than 6 months old. They should be protected with clothing and kept in the shade.

Most skin cancer can be cured if detected and treated early. Signs of skin cancer are usually visible to a doctor or person who has learned the signs of skin cancer. Individuals shold monitor themselves for changes in moles, freckles, blemishes and other marks on the skin. If you notice any changes in size, shape or color of moles, or if a sore does not heal, you should contact your doctor right away. When you have a physical exam, you can also ask your doctor to check your skin.

The American Cancer Society recommends a skin exam every three years for adults 20-39 and an annual exam for adults 40 and over.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society, call (800) ACS-2345 or visit its web site at www.cancer.org.