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Skin Cancer and Sun Damage
Skin cancer has the unfavorable distinction of being the most common form of cancer in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Dermatology). It’s not to be taken lightly.
Most skin cancers fall into three categories: basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas. Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are caused by repeated, unprotected sun exposure. They are relatively easy to treat if detected in time, and are rarely fatal.
Melanomas are a much more dangerous and life-threatening form of cancer. There is some controversy as to whether or not melanomas are caused by unprotected sun exposure, but exposure to sunlight and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a good protection factor decreases the risk of developing melanoma for sure.
As a general theory, exposure to UVA and some UVB rays trigger mutations in replicating skin cells, causing their genetic coding to go haywire. The cells forget how to maintain the normal cell turnover process because of the radiation damage. The culprit is most likely the free radicals which can eventually penetrate the cell into the nucleus.
Preventing skin cancer--What to do
Be vigilant about daily sun protection. Use products with both UVA and UVB protection. And be aware of some early signs of skin cancer. Early detection of skin cancer can save your skin and your life.
The “A, B, C, D, E’s” of identifying skin cance
- Asymmetry: One half of the lesion or suspect area is unlike the other half. If you folded the spot, do the halves match? Matching is good.
- Border: There is an irregular, scalloped, or poorly circumscribed border. A smooth border is good.
- Color: If color varies from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, black, white, red, or blue, that’s not good.
- Diameter: The area is generally larger than 6mm (diameter of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving or Elevation: Is the area changing and is there a changing elevation?
The five most typical characteristics of skin cancer are:
- An open sore, any size, that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is one of the most common signs of early skin cancer.
- A reddish patch or irritated area that doesn’t go away and doesn’t respond to cortisone creams or moisturizers. Sometimes these patches crust over or flake off, but they never go away completely.
- A smooth growth with a distinct rolled border and an indented center. It can look like a small blemish or wound, but tends to grow and doesn’t heal.
- A shiny bump or nodule with a slick, smooth surface that can be pink, red, white, black, brown, or purple in color. It can look like a mole, but the texture and shine are what make it different.
- A white patch of skin that has a smooth, scarlike texture. The area of white skin can have a taut, clear appearance that stands out from the appearance of the surrounding skin.
The good news is that scientists are coming up with effective ingredients for fighting the free-radicals, and better delivery systems to get those antioxidants into the cells. Consider the smart-booster technology in the Dermalogica sunscreens: the vitamins are safely encapsulated until the UV rays break down that capsule allowing the vitamins to emerge and immediately start working to help your skin cells.
Get out your sunscreens and your hats!
By Sharyn Madison, Licensed Aesthetician and Skin Care Therapist
