May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The month of May brings our attention to skin cancer. Summer calls for a variety of outdoor activities, such as afternoons at the ballpark, outdoor picnics, trips to the beach or just a day by the pool. As this season is quickly approaching, it is important to understand what skin cancer is and how we can prevent it while still enjoying those long, fun-filled days in the sun.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually. By definition, skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that primarily occurs on skin that has seen excessive exposure to the sun or tanning beds. There are three major skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. If treated early, the prognosis is usually not life-threatening.

Know the signs and symptoms of skin cancer:

• Signs of non-melanoma skin cancers include new red lesions that steadily grow, non-healing sores or crusted areas on the skin, bumps with a "pearly" or translucent surface, and any tender growths on the skin's surface.
• Melanomas are darkly pigmented, discolored areas or bumps with an asymmetrical shape, irregular borders, or dark black or multicolored surface. While the majority of melanomas do not arise from moles, new or changing moles in adulthood should be examined.

"Over a lifetime, it's quite common for high-risk patients to develop multiple skin cancers on different body sites," says C. Blake Phillips, M.D., a fellow in the UAB Department of Dermatology. "That said, most skin cancers have an excellent cure rate if detected and treated early. I encourage learning the signs of skin cancer and self-exams between clinic visits. Patient awareness is extremely helpful in early diagnosis."




Dr. Phillips outlines several ways in which we can protect ourselves from the sun:

• Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats with sunglasses when out in the sun.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Also note that "water resistant" does not mean "waterproof," as waterproof sunscreen does not exist.
• When sweating or swimming, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours or even more. Sunscreen can be rubbed off by a towel, so reapply after drying off as well.
• Limit your direct exposure to the sun and seek shade, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Staying away from the tanning bed altogether is one of the easiest ways to avoid skin cancer, yet an estimated 11.3 million Americans engage in indoor tanning. In fact, more than 410,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States may be linked to indoor tanning.

It is important to remember that anyone with skin is at risk for developing skin cancers. "While less common, even those with heavily pigmented skin can develop skin cancer," says Dr. Phillips.

Talk to your doctor or click here to learn more or schedule an appointment at UAB.

Why Give Wednesday: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Why Give Wednesday: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and with summer vacation and beach trips on the horizon, many of us will be spending more time in the sun than usual. This is a fun-filled time for everyone, but this also means we need to pay more attention to avoiding sun overexposure so we prevent skin cancer as much as we can.
  

First of all, what is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a disease where malignant (cancerous) cells grow in the tissue of the skin. One in every five Americans will develop skin cancer, which equals more than those diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined. The three most common types of skin cancer are:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma is most common form of skin cancer and grows slowly, usually on the head, neck or torso. This type of skin cancer is unlikely to spread to other parts of your body and, if detected early, is the least risky. It usually appears raised, waxy pink bumps.

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma affects parts of the skin that are exposed to heavy UV rays. It can spread to the tissues, bones and near lymph nodes if left undetected, but does so slowly.  It appears as red, scaly, and rough skin lesions.

• Melanoma is the fastest growing, most aggressive and most deadly type of skin cancer. It can spread to many parts of the body, including the bones and brain. If this happens, the disease becomes nearly incurable.It appears as moles that are irregular in shape, color, diameter and/or border.

How can you prevent skin cancer?

About 90 percent of skin cancer cases are associated with overexposure to the sun, so it is important to protect yourself from UV rays all year long—not just in the spring and summer. “Everyone should wear sunscreen all year round, even on cold, cloudy days,” says Marian Northington, M.D., director of UAB Cosmetic Dermatology. “Unless use of a flashlight is necessary to see, you should have sunscreen on.” UAB experts suggest everyone use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistant every single day (For more sunscreen guidelines, click here.) You can wear a hat or other clothing that covers skin or seek shady areas to avoid excessive exposure to skin, too. 

Why UAB?

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is involved in many new and innovative trials studying the most effective ways of treating and preventing skin cancer. A recent example of skin cancer research that the center is involved with is developing a morning-after cream to be applied after extended exposure to sunlight which would the damage caused by the sun. The center also handles thousands skin cancer cases each year and provides the most advanced services and facilities for its treatment.

Visit our website for more information. Your support is greatly appreciated! To donate, click here.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer this Summer

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer this Summer

Summer is all about having fun in the sun. Whether you’re at the beach or the pool this summer, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it is our goal to reduce those cases. Experts at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center recommend following these tips the next time you’re out in the sun.

1. Stay in the Shade
The sun’s strongest UV light is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try visiting the beach during the early morning hours or around sunset. You can test how strong UV light is by looking at your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are very strong and you should protect yourself.

2. Wear a Hat
Your face, neck and ears are the most vulnerable places for skin cancer to appear. A hat with a 2 or 3 inch brim is ideal for optimal coverage.

3. Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes can become damaged by UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause cataracts and the development of skin cancer on the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.  Protect your eyes by wearing dark sunglasses that block UV rays.

4. Use Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is the best to use for skin cancer prevention. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to the skin 15-30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and should be reapplied every two hours.

5. Wear Clothing
Covering as much skin as possible is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Clothing that is dry and dark in color is the most protective. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through and harm your skin.

Don’t forget to visit your doctor and dermatologist annually. If unusual freckles or moles appear, or if you notice any changes with existing freckles or moles, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to do a self-check every month. Skin cancer is easy to prevent and is curable if detected early.

Soak Up the Sun with SPF

With the upcoming July 4th holiday, many of us will be heading outdoors to enjoy our favorite summer activities. With that in mind, it's important for everyone to be reminded about the importance of proper sun protection. It may seem repetitive, but the fact remains that more than 2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, making it the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

So while you are having fun soaking up the sun, remember to protect yourself from those harmful UV rays - the ones that can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, brown spots and spider veins. About 90 percent of all skin cancers are associated with sun exposure; therefore, you must protect your skin this summer! Remember these helpful tips: 

• Use sunscreen. Apply a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen or moisturizer that protects against UVB/ UVA rays (look for the term "broad spectrum") and is water resistant.
• Use the right amount. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
• Reapply every two hours. Even if the label reads "water resistant:" or "waterproof," you still need to reapply every couple of hours to ensure sweat or water did not wash your protection away.
• Seek shade. Avoid the hottest time of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Cover up. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, clothing and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Do not burn.

Enjoy your summer while staying protected! Remember a temporary tan is not worth the consequences of cancer. For more information about skin cancer, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention or the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Soak Up the Sun...With Protection

A favorite pastime for many of us during the summer is laying on the beach or splashing in the pool, especially in the heat of July. But while you are having fun soaking up the sun, remember to protect yourself from those harmful UV rays - the ones that can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, brown spots and spider veins.

More than 2 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, making it the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. About 90 percent of all skin cancers are associated with sun exposure; therefore, you must protect your skin this summer! Remember these helpful tips:

• Use sunscreen. Apply a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen or moisturizer that protects against UVB/ UVA rays (look for the term "broad spectrum") and is water resistant.
• Use the right amount. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
• Reapply every two hours. Even if the label reads "water resistant:" or "waterproof," you still need to reapply every couple of hours to ensure sweat or water did not wash your protection away.
• Seek shade. Avoid the hottest time of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Cover up. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, clothing and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Do not burn.

Enjoy your summer while staying protected! Remember a temporary tan is not worth the consequences of cancer. For more information about skin cancer, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention or the Skin Cancer Foundation.

-Ed Partridge, M.D.

Think Twice Before Fun in the Sun

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we'd like to take this opportunity to remind you of the health hazards that come with too much sun exposure.

When referring to the summer season, many people associate the phrases "tanning" and "laying out" with summer fun. Although getting that perfect bronze tan for a few months may look great, it also has its potential consequences. Here are a few facts to illustrate just how serious skin cancer can be:

Fun in the Sun?

With Memorial Day this weekend, thousands of Americans will be taking to the lakes, rivers and beaches for some fun in the sun. Unfortunately, many of them will return with an unwanted souvenir - a severe sunburn.

With May also being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, this is the perfect opportunity for us to educate ourselves on the basics of sun safety. There are several things you can do to avoid getting burned.

• Use sunscreen - and a lot of it. Sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 should be liberally applied before going into the sun, and then reapplied every two hours or more often when getting wet. The higher the SPF, the better, and you should ideally use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Limit your exposure to the sun. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are when the sun is at its most intense. If possible, minimize your time in the sun during that time.
• Wear protective clothing. While covering up exposed parts of the body works best, that's often extremely uncomfortable during the summer heat. However, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses can be helpful, and clothing with built-in ultraviolet protection is also available.

We all want to have fun in the sun, but it's important to do it responsibly. A tan simply isn't worth the risk of getting skin cancer. For more information and sun safety tips, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

-Ed Partridge, M.D.