American Cancer Society Report Recommends Sun Safety Skin cancer incidence on the rise for all race and ethnic groups More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States, more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined, according to a recent American Cancer Society report. Despite the fact that we know how damaging sun exposure can be to our skin, the number of skin cancers has actually been on the rise for the past few decades. UV exposure is associated with more than one million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers and some 60,000 cases of malignant melanoma in the United States each year, states the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2008. While melanoma of the skin is primarily a disease of fair-skinned people, incidence rates of melanoma have increased in the past 16 years for all race/ethnic groups, particularly among Hispanics/Latinos, according to the society’s report. Approximately 6,600 new cases of the disease are expected in California in 2008 and 835 people may die of the disease this year. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but some may come from tanning beds. If skin cancer does develop, detecting it early is the best way to ensure it can be treated effectively. For individuals at high risk of skin cancer, the Society recommends regular skin examinations by an experienced physician and monthly self-exams. “It isn’t possible or practical to completely avoid sunlight, and it would be unwise to reduce your level of activity to avoid the outdoors,” said John Morgan, Dr. PH, volunteer on the Inland Empire Leadership Council for the American Cancer Society. “Small amounts of sunlight also help the body to make vitamin D, which can be important for good health. But too much sunlight can be harmful.” There are several practical precautions that limit the amount of exposure to UV rays. The American Cancer Society advises everyone to follow practical steps including: Limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when UV rays are most intense). Cover up with clothing and wear a hat whenever possible. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. Protect children from sun exposure. For more information on warning signs and early detection of skin cancer, visit the American Cancer Society’s Web site at www.cancer.org. or call toll free (800) ACS-2345. SKIN CANCER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the skin? The skin is the largest organ of the body. It covers the internal organs and protects them from injury, serves as a barrier between microbes, such as bacteria, and internal organs, and prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids. The skin regulates body temperature and helps rid the body of excess water and salts. Certain cells in the skin communicate with the brain and allow for temperature, touch, and pain sensations. What is skin cancer? There are two types of skin cancer–nonmelanoma and melanoma. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (usually basal cell and squamous cell cancers) are the most common cancers of the skin. They are called nonmelanoma because they develop from skin cells other than melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin, skin pigment). Because they rarely metastasize (spread elsewhere in the body), nonmelanoma cancers are highly curable when treated early. Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma, melanoma skin cancer, and cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more serious, because it can spread to other parts of the body quickly. How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States. More than one million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 62,500 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2008. How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 11,200 deaths in 2008 from skin cancer; 8,400 from melanoma; and 2,800 from other skin cancers. Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The five-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 90 percent. For localized melanoma, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60 percent and 14 percent respectively. About 82 percent of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include: Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation Fair complexion Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium Family history Multiple or atypical moles Severe sunburns as a child What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor. Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time, and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Limit or avoid exposure to the sun during the midday hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light. Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen. Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. Where can I find reliable, accurate information on skin cancer? The American Cancer Society has a toll-free information line staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide answers on cancer and contacts for other resources in your area. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. What is the American Cancer Society doing about skin cancer? Education: The Society delivers health information to the public, so that individuals can make informed personal decisions. Examples include: Printed materials; media coverage; community-based outreach programs; and free, nationwide services such as www.cancer.org and 1-800-ACS-2345. The American Cancer Society also began its Sun Safe Community initiative in December 2000 to help prevent skin cancer. This community-based, multi-component effort consists of prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas. Advocacy: With the help of grassroots volunteers in communities across the country, the Society advocates with lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to ensure responsible health policies are enacted and to increase funding for research, testing, and treatment coverage. Service: The Society works to improve quality of life for people living with cancer through a variety of support services and programs helping patients and families cope with the disease. Research: Currently, the American Cancer Society is funding 36 melanoma-related grants totaling approximately $20 million and 19 skin cancer-related grants totaling approximately $10 million. How can someone get involved with the American Cancer Society? Contact a local American Cancer Society office or call 1-800-ACS-2345 to learn about Society volunteer programs. A wide variety of opportunities are available for anyone with time or resources to give.