SKIN THERAPY - SKIN CANCER

The number of cases of skin cancer is rising each year in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is believed to be the biggest culprit. That's why it's so important to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure. It's also important to check your skin regularly for warning signs of skin cancer. If caught and treated early, skin cancer CAN be successfully treated.

Types of Skin Cancer

Although skin cancer can develop on any part of the body, it's most commonly found on areas that are often exposed to the sun. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and ACS say there are different types of skin cancer:

There is another condition, actinic keratosis (AK), which appears as rough, red or brown scaly patches on the skin. AK is known as a precancerous condition because it sometimes develops into cancer. Like skin cancer, it usually appears on sun-exposed areas but can be found elsewhere. The National Institutes of Health say AK's may start as small, red, flat spots then grow larger and become scaly or thick, like a wart. Most AKs form on the face or back of the hands, but can appear elsewhere.

When examining your skin for changes or growths, the American Academy of Dermatology says there are "ABCD" warning signs to be aware of:

In general, any unusual change in the skin, especially a new growth or sore that doesn't heal, can be a warning sign of skin cancer, and should be checked promptly by your physician. Any growth of a mole should be of concern too. When caught early, your chances for successful treatment are much higher.

Who's at risk

Since sun exposure is most commonly linked to skin cancer, people who have a history of frequent sun exposure as well as sunburns are at a higher risk of the disease. NCI says fair skinned individuals, especially if they have blond or red hair and blue eyes are more at risk, as are people with a family history of skin cancer.

Since the effects of sun exposure add up, the National Institute on Aging says our risk of developing skin cancer also increases as we get older. And people with a large number of moles can have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Anyone in a high-risk group should take extra precautions against skin cancer and talk with their doctor about regular screenings.

Treatment options

Treatment for skin cancer usually involves some type of surgery, according to NCI. In some cases, doctors suggest radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Sometimes a combination of methods is used. Options include:

Prevention

The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) says the key way to help avoid skin cancer is to avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during the peak burning hours between 10AM and 3PM. If you have to be outdoors, use hats and protective clothing, and ask your pharmacist to recommend a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Some people are allergic to certain sunscreen ingredients, so ask a healthcare professional for advice if this could be a problem for you or your family.

Children need sun protection as well. According to ACPM, roughly 80 percent of a person's sun exposure occurs before age 21. Sunscreens are usually recommended for children older than six months. Ask your pediatrician for specific advice about protective measures best suited for your infant or toddler.

Another issue to be aware of is certain medications - for example, some antibiotics or diuretics - and even some herbal supplements like St. John's Wort can make skin more sensitive to the sun's rays. Ask your doctor about this potential side effect of your medications, and take extra precautions.