May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

After a small hiatus of a few weeks, and I truly apologize for that; I came back in full force on this beautiful Mother's Day. May is a special month of the year because it is the beginning of summer; the flowers are blooming, the temperature are warming up. But May is also this year the Skin Cancer Month. A true awareness period when too many times may is the month when we start shedding the clothes and exposing more skin.

What is Skin Cancer? there are three types of skin cancer and they are:

• Basal cell carcinoma  
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Malignant melanoma

Basal cell carcinomas are present on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. They rarely metastasize, and rarely cause death. They are easily treated with surgery or radiation. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are common, but much less common than basal cell cancers. They metastasize more frequently than BCCs. Even then, the metastasis rate is quite low, with the exception of SCCs of the lip, ear, and in immunosuppressed patients. Melanomas are the least frequent of the 3 common skin cancers. They frequently metastasize, and are deadly once spread. Less common skin cancers include: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, keratoacanthoma, spindle cell tumors, sebaceous carcinomas, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, Pagets's disease of the breast, atypical fibroxanthoma, leimyosarcoma, and angiosarcoma

The BCC and the SCC often carry a UV-signature mutation indicating that these cancers are caused by UV-B radiation via the direct DNA damage. However the malignant melanoma is predominantly caused by UV-A radiation via the indirect DNA damage. The indirect DNA damage is caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Research indicates that the absorption of three sunscreen ingredients into the skin, combined with a 60-minute exposure to UV, leads to an increase of free radicals in the skin, if applied in too little quantities and too infrequently. However, the researchers add that newer creams often do not contain these specific compounds, and that the combination of other ingredients tends to retain the compounds on the surface of the skin. They also add the frequent re-application reduces the risk of radical formation.

The mechanism that generates the first two forms is different from the mechanism that generates the melanoma. The direct DNA damage is responsible for BCC and SCC while the indirect DNA damage causes melanoma. The mortality rate of BCC and SCC is around 0.3% causing 2000 deaths per year in the US. In comparison the mortality rate of melanoma is 15-20% and it causes 6500 deaths per year.

The signs ans sypmtoms vary amongst the three types:

There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcering in the skin, discolored skin, and changes in existing moles, such as jagged edges to the mole and enlargement of the mole.

Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal. This form of skin cancer is the least deadly and with proper treatment can be completely eliminated, often without scarring.

Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Some are firm hard nodules and dome shaped like keratoacanthomas. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass. Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer. It is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as a melanoma.

Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Unfortunately, a few melanomas are pink, red or fleshy in color; these are called amelanotic melanomas. Warning signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Other signs are the appearance of a new mole during adulthood or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.

Merkel cell carcinomas are most often rapidly growing, non-tender red, purple or skin colored bumps that are not painful or itchy. They may be mistaken for a cyst or other type of cancer.

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:

• Avoid the use of tobacco products.  
• Reducing overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years
• Avoiding sun exposure during the peak UV times during the day, typically from 10 AM to 3 PM (dependent on country) when the sun is directly over head
• Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
• Reapply sun block as per the manufacturers directions
• Ensuring suitable unprotected exposure (15 minutes a day suggested maximum) to the sun to allow adequate Vitamin D formation.

Australian scientist Ian Frazer who developed a vaccine for cervical cancer, says that a vaccine effective in preventing for certain types of skin cancer has proven effective on animals and could be available within a decade. The vaccine would only be effective against Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

So even though today it is mother's Day and we should have a thought for our beloved mother. We shall also have a thought for those who were diagnosed with cancer and more specifically with skin cancer. happy Mother's Day Mom!!

P.S. Just wanted to shoot out a quick blurb to let you all know about the 20% off sale at SkinCareRx. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and to celebrate SkinCareRx has created a coupon code to save 20% on sunscreen and more. The code works Store-wide minus a few exclusions.

Celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Save 20% Off Storewide at SkinCareRx.com! Use Code: SUNSMART20