Skin Cancer
Get The Nurse! - Jennifer Medvin, RN

Sun worshippers head outdoors as the dark clouds of winter fade away. They crave the soothing feeling of the warm sun on their body. Unfortunately, without taking the proper precautions, sun worshippers pay with their skin.

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects the body from heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also regulates body temperature and helps rid the body of excess water and salts.

UVB and UVA Rays
More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer found in the United States and is usually found on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. According to the American Cancer Society, most of the cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year in the United States are considered to be sun-related.

The Sun emits ultraviolet radiation (UV) in the form of UVA and UVB rays. 99% of UVA rays reach the Earth's surface through the ozone layer. Natural sunlight emits wavelengths that become harmful once they reach the surface of the earth as UV light.

Most modern tanning facilities use UVA rays which can produce redness of the skin and resulting skin damage. You may burn even on overcast days as UV rays travel through the clouds. This is why people who live in locations that receive more sunlight, such as California and Florida, have a greater chance of receiving skin cancer.

Sunscreens should be applied to all exposed areas 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and should be reapplied after swimming or more than two hours of continuous sun exposure. Waterproof sunscreens and a SPF of 30 provide the best protection.

Types of Skin Cancer
Most skin cancers, usually basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are classified as nonmelanoma. Both of these nonmelanomas are curable if detected early. Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that sometimes develops into squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous because it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma begins in the cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Even though melanoma can spread to other body parts quickly, it is curable if detected early and treated properly.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Early detection of skin cancer is very important. Both patients and healthcare providers play an important role in locating possible skin cancer on the body. According to the American Academy of Dermatology website, "Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent five-year cure rate if detected and treated early."
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