From the Spring 2011 StayHealthy publication
The most common of all cancers, skin cancer accounts for almost half of all cancer in the United States.
More than 1 million new cases occur annually, and it is estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to the age of 65 will develop skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
“The term ‘skin cancer’ refers to three different conditions,” explained Family Physician Subha Elango, MD. “The least dangerous is basal cell carcinoma.” Elango went on to say the other types are squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. “Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it tends to metastasize (spread) throughout the body quickly.”
Elango listed the following as risk factors for skin cancer:
- Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Age – most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun’s damaging effects start much earlier
- Severe sunburns as a child
- Fair complexion
- Family history
- Multiple or atypical moles
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Valparaiso Campus
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-263-4600
“The best ways to lower the risk of developing skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods, keep your skin protected and wear a sunscreen daily with an SPF 15 or higher,” shared Elango.
While this time of year doesn’t bring to mind images of exposing our skin while we frolic along the beach or relax pool side, we should still take care to protect our skin. As Elango noted, “Even on overcast days, the harmful UV rays travel through the clouds.”