Dr Lackey's Health Information

Timely Medical reports regarding your health and Disease Prevention.

Skin cancer

This year, one million new cases were reported and the incidence is rising faster than any other type of cancer.

There are three types. They are named after where they develop deep in the skin. The most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Detected early, they are easy to excise and be done with. Malignant Melanoma, is the third type and is deadly if not detected.

Numbers tell the whole story. Listen UP:

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 44,200 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 1999, an increase of more than 6% from 1998. Approximately 7,300 deaths will occur as a result. Six out of seven skin cancer deaths are the result of malignant melanoma. Skin cancer hits young people: the average age is 46. For women aged 30-34, it's second only to breast cancer as a cause of death. By the year 2000, one in five will be diagnosed with skin cancer.

What You Should Do, Daily

Protection from UVA (aging, destructive rays) and UVB (burning rays) is crucial. Never leave the house and never let your loved ones leave the house, without a broad - spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum is key. Most of us understand we should wear protection at the beach. But we do not understand the importance of protecting our skin from cumulative long-term damage on a daily basis. Children and men are especially vulnerable because they do not apply moisturizers (many of which have some protection) and foundation (many of which also have some protection) on a regular basis. Applying sunscreen after you brush your teeth should be the rule of the house.

The primary cause of skin cancer is Ultraviolet Radiation. We do not see UVA rays, but they are everywhere and dangerous. They penetrate glass, hitting you where you work, in your car, all year round, even on cloudy days, they reflect off water and snow. Sun lamps and tanning booths also contain UVA radiation. Accept now that there is no healthy tan.

Think Zinc

Zinc Oxide, and a new ingredient Z-Cote (a transparent zinc oxide) is becoming one of the most widely accepted broad spectrum ingredients in sunscreen. It is non - irritating and guarantees against UVA absorption. Look for it in your sunscreen. Other ingredients, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone, and titanium dioxide, are all also used in different amounts depending on SPF Factor.

The Gory Details

The look of skin cancer is deceptive. The common ABCD code and a nagging suspicion should send you sprinting to the physician or dermatologist.

A - An Asymmetrical sore
B - Blurred, ragged edges
C - Mottled colors (ugly tan, black, pink, red, or multi-colored)
D - Diameter growth of more than 6 mm across (the size of a pencil eraser)

Do not play around waiting for any suspicious sore to get better on its own. Any small, pearly nodule with an indented center (basal); or any crusted persistent scaly patch (squamous) or any spot that itches, oozes, heals and then re-opens is a warning. Check your body and that of your family members. If you are fair and have light colored eyes, be especially careful. Don a hat and a wonderful long sleeve cotton shirt at the beach. Re-apply sunscreen after swimming, towel drying and be especially careful of ears, noses, lips. There are wonderful sunscreen sticks on string that children can wear around their necks.

Be safe: Beat the odds.