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Seeing Spots?
Get your skin
screened for possible
cancer…
Skin cancer is the most common of all
cancers!
There are more than 1 million skin cancers (melanoma &
non-melanoma) diagnosed each year in
the U.S. — more than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovarian, and
pancreas cancer combined.
And statistics have been steadily rising for the past 30 years despite ready
availability of sunscreen.
Skin Cancer Screening
Emphasized
To protect our mothers,
fathers, sisters & brothers from this highly preventable form of cancer, Lincoln
Hospital & North Basin Medical Clinics offer special skin cancer screenings in
May and November during our Skin Cancer Awareness Months, and a skin cancer
screen is part of our popular Men’s Health Week in February. Of course, you can
get a skin cancer screen at any time of the year, just ask!in
Types of Skin Cancer
Non-Melanoma
These are the most common cancers of the skin. They are called
non-melanoma because they
develop from non-pigmented skin cells. Non-melanomas rarely
spread to other body systems
(such as the bones or organs) and are less likely than melanomas
to be fatal. Still they need to be
diagnosed and treated and they can cause scarring.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the pigmented skin cells (melanocytes).
It is much less
common than non-melanoma, but is far more dangerous. In it’s
early stages it is almost always
curable and is much more likely to spread to other body systems.
How do I protect myself?
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By understanding ultraviolet
radiation and how to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
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Limit direct sun exposure during
midday
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Wear clothing that covers most
skin, including hats with brims to shade face & ears
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Use sunscreen of Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) 15 or higher
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Use lip balm with sun screen in
it
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Wear sunglasses that block UV
rays (read labels)
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Limit time in sun
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Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps
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Perform monthly self examination
of skin (see below)
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Have a yearly physician’s check
up to look for and discuss any suspicious moles
Resources & more
information
For an up-to-date and comprehensive guide to skin cancer,
understanding UV rays and how to
self examine your skin for suspicious moles and discolorations, log on to the
American Cancer Society
website www.cancer.org
and search for “Skin Cancer.” The
article “Skin Cancer Prevention
and Early Detection” is a good place to start. If you’d like a free ACS brochure
on skin cancer
“Why you should know about melanoma”, call the American Cancer Society at
1-800-ACS 2345.
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