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Skin Cancer a Constant Threat
Skin cancer is common.  The incidence is 1 out of 7 (14%) that you will have skin cancer in your lifetime, and this means many Seabrookers will have an encounter with this cancer - in fact many already have.  There are three types of cells in the skin and each has the potential to become malignant or cancerous.  The cell types are basal, squamous and melanocytes.  Basal cell and squamous cell cancers of the skin are more common and more easily cured.  Cancers of the melanocytes is called melanoma and this form of skin cancer can spread and ultimately cause death. 
    


Causes and Risks
Skin cancer is preventable because it is largely a result of over exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) light.  The problem is that exposures many years ago in the form of sunburn cause cancer sometimes 20 or more years later.  Thus, many of us have already set ourselves up for skin cancer by having frequent and or sever exposure to the sun and UV light.  People with fair complexion and from Northern European extraction have a greater propensity to contract these cancers and it is estimated that even one severe sunburn increases one's risk of cancer 50%!  There is also some evidence that skin cancer runs in some families so if you have had it, be sure your children are warned and certainly great precautions against sun exposure of your children should be exercised.  Tanning does not prevent skin cancer and certainly exposure to tanning devices actually increases the risk of skin cancer.  Other risk factors include living in an area that has high exposure of UV light.  These are sunny, high altitude (not a problem in the low country) and latitudes closer to the equator.  Seabrookers, therefore, are at increased risk because of the amount of sun and UV light we get on our island.  
    
Detection
The good news about skin cancer is that a patient can usually detect a suspicious lesion and by going to either a primary care physician or a dermatologist have a quick diagnosis made.  Look for any change in color or texture of skin in areas that receive exposure to the sun - head, neck, arms, hands, legs and back.   If you notice a growth or a sore that won't heal on the skin or a lump that is smooth, shiny and waxy looking (red or reddish brown) then it is best to have this site inspected by a doctor.  These changes are consistent with basal cell or squamous cell cancers.  If you have a mole that has changed size, shape, or color; developed oozing or bleeding; become itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender; or you detect a new mole - all these are warning signs of melanoma and should send you to the doctor immediately.  The dermatologist will biopsy with a simple office procedure using local anesthesia the suspicious site to determine by microscopic analysis whether the skin lesion is malignant.  
    
Prevention
Since we know the cause of skin cancers is exposure to the sun and high levels of UV light, then it follows that prevention means protecting oneself from these two.  There are 30 cities in the U.S. that the weather bureau gives a UV forecast each day and Charleston is one of them.  The forecast is in the form of listing UV from 1 to 15, and anything over forecast over 4 (low) should alert you to being especially careful about exposure during the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.  Any forecast above 7 is in the high category and 10 or above is very high.  Clouds and cloudy days reduce the UV exposure.  Protection from UV exposure takes the form of staying indoors or if outside staying covered as much as possible with a hat (that protects the neck and face), shirt (long-sleeve if possible), pants (long if possible) and shoes with socks.  For skin that is exposed to the sun apply sun-screen lotion with at least SPF-15.  If the day has a high or very high UV forecast (listed each day in the paper and on the weather channel or the internet at weather.com) then a higher SPF-rating is warranted.  Sunscreen does not last long on Seabrook with our high humidity because of perspiration and frequent applications for those at greatest risk is necessary.  Don't forget to reapply after a swim in the ocean or in the pool or after a shower.

Conclusion
A great thing about Seabrook is our warm, sunny tropical climate.  A risk is that without protection we can increase our risk of having one of the three forms of skin cancer.  As we enter the summer when we are tempted to be outside a great deal it is important to remember to wear the right clothes, put on sun-screen, avoid too much exposure between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm and have a great time!

MUSCHealth.com Online Health Library Related Links:
Skin Cancer

Other Online Resources Related to Skin Cancer:
Medline Plus Information on Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society

(MedlinePlus, is an excellent source of health information from the world's largest medical library, the National Library of Medicine. Health professionals and consumers alike can depend on it for information that is authoritative and up to date. MedlinePlus has extensive information from the National Institutes of Health and other trusted sources on over 650 diseases and conditions.)

Medline Interactive Patient Tutorials:
Skin Cancer

MUSC Video Resources Related to Skin Cancer:
Skin Cancer
Learn the signs of skin cancer and when to see a doctor. Dr. Pearon Lang- MUSC, Dermatology.

Mohs Surgery
Find out about a more precise way to remove skin cancers on the face & Body. Dr. Pearon Lang, MUSC, Dept. of Dermatology.

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