Skin Cancer Prevention
The skin protects the body against heat and light, injury, and
infection. It also helps regulate body temperature, stores water
and fat, and produces vitamin D. The skin is the body’s
largest organ and is made up of two main layers: the outer epidermis
and the inner dermis.
There are 3 types of skin cancer: basal
cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (together referred to
as nonmelanoma skin cancer), and melanoma. The outer layer of
the skin is made up of squamous cells. Basal cells are found
below the squamous cells. Melanocytes are in the deepest layer
of epidermis. Melanoma develops from melanocytes.
Significance of skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United
States. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (nonmelanoma
skin cancer) are the most common forms of skin cancer. The number
of new cases of skin cancer appears to be increasing each year.
The number of deaths due to skin cancer, however, is fairly
small.
Skin cancer prevention
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell
Carcinoma): Studies have suggested that reducing exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation decreases the incidence of nonmelanoma
skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is a stream of invisible
high-energy rays coming from the sun. Artificial sources such
as tanning booths and sunlamps also produce ultraviolet radiation.
Sun exposure can be reduced by changing
patterns of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to
high-intensity UV radiation (the sun is strongest from 11 am
to 3 pm), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves
and hats) when exposed to sunlight, and by using adequate amounts
of sufficiently protective sunscreen.
Whether sunscreens are effective in
protecting against nonmelanoma skin cancer has not been determined.
People whose skin tans poorly or burns
easily after sun exposure are particularly susceptible to nonmelanoma
skin cancer. These people in particular may benefit by following
prevention methods for nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Melanoma: Studies have suggested
that avoiding sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence,
may reduce the incidence of melanoma skin cancer.
Sunburn can be avoided by changing patterns
of outdoor activities to reduce time of exposure to high-intensity
UV radiation (the sun is strongest from 11 am to 3 pm), wearing
protective clothing (such as long sleeves and hats) when exposed
to sunlight, and using sunscreen.
Sunscreen is not a substitute for avoidance
of sun exposure.
People whose skin
tans poorly or who have a large number of abnormal moles may
have an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. These
people in particular may benefit by following prevention methods
for melanoma.
information from http://www.nci.nih.gov/
