Yumans have greater risk for skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and excessive sun exposure is the catalyst. Since Yuma is one of the sunniest places in the country, the citizens here are at greater risk.  
 
Mary Ellen Luchetti, MD, shared some simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself from the ever present glare of the sun.
 
"Skin cancer is when the sun damages the DNA in a cell so it can't repair itself and it begins to replicate," said Dr. Luchetti. "People should avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when its rays are the most powerful, and if they are going to be out in the sun, they should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before they go outside.
 
Luchetti also said that the sunscreen should be no less than an SPF 30, and should protect from both UVA and UVB rays. It should be reapplied every two hours, and even more frequently when a person is swimming.  She recommended wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts.
 
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin cancer is the most prevalent of all types of cancers. They estimate more than one million Americans develop it every year.
 
They said fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at a particularly high risk for developing skin cancer. Other less important factors include repeated medical and industrial x-ray exposure, scarring from diseases or burns, occupational exposure to compounds such as coal tar and arsenic, and family history.
 
Dr. Luchetti said there is no such thing as a safe suntan, and tanning beds especially should be avoided.
 
"Tanning means you have damaged your skin. You don't have to go out into the sun to get your vitamin D, simple dietary supplements will suffice. And if you stay in the sun too long while tanning and get a blistering sunburn, your risk of getting skin cancer is six times as high."
 
According to the AAD, Actinic keratoses or solar keratoses are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. They are small, scaly spots most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lower arms, and back of the hands in individuals who have had significant sun exposure.
 
The AAD said there are three types of skin cancer.
 
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type and appears frequently on the head, neck, and hands as a small, fleshy bump, nodule, or red patch. Other parts of the body may be affected as well. They usually do not grow quickly, and untreated, the cancer often will begin to bleed, crust over, heal and repeat the cycle, and can extend below the skin to the bone and nerves, causing considerable local damage.
 
The AAD said Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. Typically located on the rim of the ear, the face, lips and mouth, this cancer may appear as a bump, or as a red, scaly patch. It can develop into large masses and become invasive.
 
Unlike basal cell carcinoma, this form of cancer can spread to other parts of the body, so it is important to get early treatment.
 
According to the AAD, malignant melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. Every year, an estimated 8,000 Americans will die from melanoma. They project that more than 108,000 Americans will develop melanoma annually.
 
The AAD said melanoma begins in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the dark protective pigment called melanin which makes the skin tan. It may appear suddenly or begin in or near a mole, or another dark spot in the skin.
 
It is important to know the location and appearance of the moles on the body to detect changes early. Any changing mole must be examined by a dermatologist. Early melanoma can be removed while still in the curable stage.
 
Dr. Luchetti said skin cancer is common and all races are susceptible.
 
"Skin is the largest organ in the body. The skin, hair and nails make up the integumentary system, and people need to take care of it from birth to death. Remember to get regular check ups because there is a 95 percent survival rate with early detection."
 
For information about setting up an appointment with Dr. Luchetti, call 783-0169.