 There are about 1 million Americans who learn they have skin cancer every year. If found early enough, skin cancer is almost 100 percent curable.
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It skin protects the body against heat, light, injury, and infection, regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin contains blood and lymph vessels, hair follicles and glands.
There are many different types of cancer. While each type is different, every cancer is a disease of some of the body's cells. Healthy cells grow, divide, and replace themselves in an orderly way. This keeps the body in good repair. When normal cells lose their ability to limit and direct their growth, they divide too rapidly and grow without any order. This produces too much tissue and tumors are formed. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. They do not spread to other parts of the body and are seldom a threat to life. They may be surgically removed and are not likely to return. Malignant tumors are cancer. They can destroy nearby healthy tissues and organs and they can spread to other parts of the body and form new tumors.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. People with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk to contract skin cancer. It is important that skin cancer is found and treated early. The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV rays from sun lamps, tanning booths and other artificial sources can also cause skin cancer. Sp people living in areas that get high levels of UV radiation are more likely to get skin cancer. In the United States skin cancer is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota. The highest rates of skin cancer in the world are South Africa and Australia. Additionally, skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Though the damaging effects begin earlier, skin cancers usually don’t appear until after the age of 50. To prevent skin cancer later in life, protection should be taken beginning in childhood. It is best to avoid sun exposure during midday, say within two hours of high noon. Use of protective clothing (sun hats, long sleeves) and sunscreens is recommended. When using sunscreens, opt for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Changes on the skin such as new growths or sores that don’t heal are warning signs of skin cancer. But not all changes are signs of cancer. It is important to examine yourself and notice any new sores or bumps that have not healed in a week or two. Doing a self-exam on a regular basis is a good idea. Note any birthmarks, moles and blemishes. Be sure to check your entire body, including the back, scalp and buttocks. Look for anything new or changes in older marks. See a doctor if you notice sores that take long to heal.
If an area of skin does not look normal, the doctor may remove all or part of the growth. This is called a biopsy. The removed tissue is examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancer. Sometimes x-rays are required to determine if the cancer has spread. Surgery is usually involved in treating skin cancer, but other methods may also be used. While most skin cancers are cured, the disease can recur in the same place. Also, people who have been treated for skin cancer have a higher-than-average risk of developing a new cancer elsewhere on the skin so it is important to continue to be alert for any new changes to the skin.
Summertime is a time to enjoy the outdoors. It is important to be judicious when selecting the time for outdoor activities and to use protection from the sun’s UV radiation. And be extra careful with children.
(Extracted from the National Cancer Institute, US National Institutes of Health website.)  |
IFANCA is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Mohamed Sadek to the position of Vice President of International Affairs responsible for it's global activities.
