Naples is known as SW Florida’s paradise filled with sun and fun. Every year thousands of students flock to our beaches yearning for the ultimate tan during spring break. Many do not realize the impact on their future that this exposure of intense sunlight carries. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
It occurs because there is an abnormal growth of skin cells in the outer most layer of the skin, called the epidermis. Triggers causing these abnormal skin changes usually involve exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or a tanning bed. The UV exposure increases the presence of free radicals. This in turn increases inflammation locally and causes damage to the skin cell function and DNA. Mutations form causing the abnormal growth of skin cells.
Per the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will have skin cancer. Approximately 9500 new skin cancers are diagnosed each day. It is one of the most common cancers in teenagers. Many do not understand that the amount of sun exposure that one has in childhood and adolescence may determine the risk of having skin cancer later in life. The importance of sun safety needs to be emphasized.
The four most common skin cancers include basal cell, squamous cell, malignant melanoma and merkel cell. Basal cell is the most diagnosed form of skin cancer with about 4 million cases annually in the US. Fortunately, it is the least invasive and easy to address. It is usually caused by short intense exposures to UV rays causing sunburns in addition to chronic exposure to the sun. It tends to form on the face, scalp, ears, back and shoulders. Signs that this may be present include a sore or bump that does not heal or it may show as a reddish patch as well.
Squamous cell skin cancers tend to be more invasive compared to basal cell. Unlike basal cell cancers, they may appear in areas where the sun does not reach. UV exposure to the sun and tanning beds tend to be the culprits. This skin cancer is diagnosed about 1 million times annually. Unfortunately, as they are more invasive, if not caught early they may metastasize and go elsewhere in the body. This is why there are approximately 15,000 deaths from squamous cell skin cancer annually in the US.Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer that should be feared. Although not as common as basal and squamous cell skin cancer, the risk of death is higher. Per the American Cancer Society, about 100,350 new cases of melanoma is expected to be diagnosed in 2020. They also predict 6850 deaths because of it. Melanoma develops in the melanocytes of the skin which is what usually produces pigment. As a result, it may simply appear to be a mole and be ignored. Sunburns from sun exposure and tanning bed UV rays have been blamed as the main triggers as well.
Merkel cell skin cancer is quite rare but dangerous because of its aggressive nature. Per the AAD it is seen about 2500 times a year but is responsible for 700 deaths. It is felt to be triggered from a virus called merkel cell polyomavirus. It usually appears as a painless nodule on the sun exposed area that does not go away. It is important to diagnose this skin cancer early in order to improve survival chances.
It is a myth that only certain skin color can be at risk for skin cancer. Although fair color skin tones are higher at risk as they burn more easily, skin cancer is also seen in dark skin tones. Per the ACS, melanoma is seen more than 20 times more in white people than African Americans. Other risk factors include having a large amount of sun exposure or sunburns earlier in life, increasing age, and those with blond or red hair. Tanning bed use significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Gender also plays a role in risk. Most cases of malignant melanoma under age 50 involve women where the opposite holds true after age 65 where men are mostly involved. Other risk factors include having had skin cancer before, those with atypical moles and even those with weakened immune states.
As the risk for skin cancer is largely based on early age exposure to the sun, sun safety needs to start in childhood. The importance of decreasing sunburns and exposure the harmful UV rays needs to be emphasized in childhood. Tanning beds need to be avoided at all costs. The importance of repeated sunscreen use throughout the day when outdoors needs to be spread. The availability of sun protective clothing, large hats and even window films for car windows have been helping. Because of the issue involving free radicals, there are some that strongly advocate the addition of certain antioxidant vitamins. They include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, zinc, omega 3 and beta carotene.
Please see your dermatologist yearly for your total body skin exams. Also, keep an eye on your skin for any new atypical moles, bumps or sores that never heal. There is a good chance you may discover your own skin cancer which may be life-saving. Remember to protect your eyes with the use of sun glasses. Use sun screen daily and reapply often when out in the sun. Being an active part of your own health care is really important. Remember, always be proactive and not reactive.
