The Dangers of Skin Cancer

The Dangers of Skin The Dangers of Skin CancerCancer

Are we educated enough?Are we educated enough?

Standing Continuum ActivityStanding Continuum Activity

• Tanned skin looks more attractive and healthier.

• Dark skinned people do not need to worry about skin cancer.

• A base tan can protect your skin from sun damage.

• You need to wear sunscreen in the winter.

• Tanning beds are a safe way to tan.

Statement of the ProblemStatement of the Problem

Melanoma/skin cancer continues to increase at an alarming rate.

We need to educate ourselves and change our perception of tanning.

Are Tan Skins Cool?Are Tan Skins Cool?

• Behavior and attitude

Tanning SalonTanning Salon

Baking under their artificial lamps as little as once a month can boost your risk of a deadly form of skin cancer by 55% -- and the danger is even greater when done in as a teenager.

Significance to Optimal HealthSignificance to Optimal Health

• Spending time outdoors in the fresh air does wonders for the body and soul. Just remember that your skin needs extra protection from the sun.

Types of Skin Cancer-Types of Skin Cancer-uncontrollable growth of abnormal cellsuncontrollable growth of abnormal cells

Basal cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinomas

Types of Skin CancerTypes of Skin Cancer

Malignant Melanoma

(can spread quickly-

metastasis)

The ABCD’s of Skin CancerThe ABCD’s of Skin Cancer

• A – Asymmetry

• B – Border

• C – Color

• D – Diameter

Benign vs. Malignant MolesBenign vs. Malignant Moles

Other Effects From the SunOther Effects From the Sun

• Skin Damage

• Cataracts and Other Eye Damage

• Immune Suppression

Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

• Don’t sunbathe

• Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• When outdoors use SPF 15 or higher

(reapply every 2 hours & after swimming)

Several sunburns over course of a lifetime can double/ triple melanoma risk no matter when sunburns occurred

Possible SolutionsPossible Solutions

• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, UV- protective sunglasses

• Stay away from artificial tanning devices• Teach children good sun protection habits at an

early age. 80% of damages that lead to adult skin cancers start in childhood

• Examine self from head to toe once every 3 months

• Tinted windows in automobile

Year Round ProtectionYear Round Protection

• During winter ( Reflections from snow can double the UV rays from the sun)

• UV radiation is not only associated with heat Clouds/ Haze- water droplets magnify UV rays. Latitude- closer to the equator, more potent sun rays. Altitude- UV radiation increases 4-5% every 1000 ft. above

sea level. Reflection- water, sand, concrete and snow reflect 90% of

UV rays. Photosensitive Reactions- medicines for acne or antibiotics

TreatmentsTreatments

• Removal – Laser / Excision or cutting out

• Surgery – lymph nodes

• Chemotherapy / Immunotherapy

• Radiation

Solution to the ProblemSolution to the Problem• Sun Avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer• Visit your dermatologist at least once a year

– Early detection is the surest way to a cure!

Sun Screen! Sun Screen! Sun Screen!

Ultraviolet Radiation DamageUltraviolet Radiation Damage

• UVB causes basal, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma.

• UVA causes wrinkling, leathering, photo aging because it penetrates deeper and worsens UVB effects.

Use sunscreen that blocks both types of radiation.

Look for “Broad Spectrum”!

If Not AddressedIf Not Addressed

• About 91,900 new cases of melanoma in the United States, in 2003

• 7,600 are expected to die from melanoma (4,700 men and 2,900 women)

• http://www.savingskin.com/facts.html

ResourcesResources

*For more information visit www.aad.org

*Call the Skin Cancer Institute at

1-800-424-6724

AssignmentAssignment

• Create a public service slogan

• Purpose: Remind teenagers of the dangers of skin cancer– Encourage teens to make sun smart decisions

– Ex: Well-done in the sun