1 Everyone, Regardless of Skin Color, Can Get Skin Cancer[YOUR NAME HERE] [AFFILIATION]
2 By the End of the Session, You Will Know:Am I at risk for skin cancer? Why is my skin so important? What is skin cancer? What makes the sun so dangerous? How do I protect myself from the sun? What is sunscreen? How do I check for skin cancer?
3 Am I at Risk? People of color are often diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages. These skin cancers are often advanced and potentially fatal. Most skin cancers are curable if caught and treated in a timely manner. Melanomas in darker skin people occur most often on non-exposed skin, such as palms, soles and nails. Even though you may have darker skin, you need to protect yourself from skin cancer. Many people think that non-White people are safe from this disease. And often, people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages. These skin cancers are often advanced and potentially fatal, whereas most skin cancers are curable if caught and treated in a timely manner. Even though you have darker skin, you need to protect yourself from skin cancer. How common is skin cancer among darker-skinned people? Although melanoma is less common in African Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it is more fatal when diagnosed. And African Americans, Latinos and Asians are often more frequently diagnosed with ADVANCED stages of melanoma. Melanomas in darker skin people occur most often on non-exposed skin, such as palms, soles and nails. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in Whites, Hispanics, Chinese, and Japanese Asians. BCC is second most common in African Americans and Asian Indians. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common skin cancer in African Americans and Asian Indians. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin cancer.
4 Why is My Skin Important?The skin: is the largest organ in the body. covers and protects the organs inside the body. protects the body against germs. prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It covers and protects the organs inside the body. It also protects the body against germs and prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids.
5 What is Melanin? Melanin:gives the skin its color. protects against skin cancer and premature aging. People with more melanin (such as those dark-skinned) have a lower risk of melanoma, but it does NOT mean that a person with dark skin will never get melanoma. Melanin is the substance that gives the skin its color; it is a natural protection against the effects of the sun, such as skin cancer and premature aging. Light skin color and having low amounts of melanin reduces your protection from the sun’s cancer-causing rays. But having extra melanin doesn’t totally protect you from the sun damage that causes cancer and speeds up aging. So, having dark skin does lower the risk of melanoma, but it does not mean that a person with dark skin will never get melanoma. RELATED INFORMATION There are different types of melanin: pheomelanin (red) and eumelanin (very dark brown). The most common form of biological melanin is eumelanin, a brown-black polymer of dihydroxyindole, dihydroxyindole carboxylic acid, and their reduced forms. Another common form of melanin is pheomelanin, a red-brown polymer of benzothiazine units largely responsible for red hair and freckles.
6 What is Skin Cancer? Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the skin. These extra cells may produce a tumor that can harm nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. 2 major types of cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma cancer. Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the skin. The mass of extra cells may produce a tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancers are categorized into 2 major types of cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma cancer.
7 Non-Melanoma Skin CancerMost non-melanoma cancers are basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma More common than squamous cell carcinoma. Usually begins on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. Tends to grow slowly and usually does not spread to other parts of the body. But if it is not treated, it can grow into nearby areas and spread into the bone or other tissues beneath the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma Most often appears on places of the body that are exposed to the sun, like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. Can also start within scars or skin ulcers other places on the body. More likely to spread into fatty tissues just beneath the skin and to lymph nodes. Basal cell carcinoma More common than squamous cell carcinoma. About 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma. Usually begins on areas exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma tends to grow slowly and usually does not spread to other parts of the body. But if it is not treated, it can grow into nearby areas and spread into the bone or other tissues beneath the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma Most often appears on places of the body that are exposed to the sun, like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. Can also start within scars or skin ulcers other places on the body. More likely to spread into fatty tissues just beneath the skin and to lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are the bean-shaped collections of immune system cells that move waste and nutrients through your body.
8 Melanoma It is called melanoma because it starts from the pigment-making cells of the skin. Most often starts on the trunk and on the lower legs of fair-skinned people, but it can start in other places, too. Melanoma can often be cured in its early stages. It is likely to spread to other parts of the body if it is not caught early. Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers. It is called melanoma because it starts from the pigment-making cells of the skin, melanin. Melanoma most often starts on the trunk and on the lower legs of fair-skinned people, but it can start in other places, too. Melanoma can almost always be cured in its early stages. But it is likely to spread to other parts of the body if it is not caught early. Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more serious and fatal than other skin cancers.
9 Is it OK to Get a Tan or Sunburn?Everyone, regardless of skin color, can sunburn! A suntan or sunburn are not indicators of good health. Tanning and sunburns are just like smoking cigarettes; just one suntan or sunburn can increase your risk of cancer, regardless of skin color. A suntan or sunburn are not indicators of good health. Some physicians consider the skin's tanning and burning a response to injury because it appears after the sun's rays have killed some cells and damaged others. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, remember that tanning is also a sign of sun damage. Dark-skinned children can also develop dangerous sunburns. Tanning and sunburns are just like smoking cigarettes; just one suntan or sunburn can increase your risk of cancer, regardless of skin color.
10 What are Ultraviolet (UV) Rays?UV rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. 3 types of UV rays: 1) ultraviolet A (UVA), 2) ultraviolet B (UVB), and 3) ultraviolet C (UVC). UVC rays are completely absorbed before reaching earth. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. There are three types of UV rays: 1) ultraviolet A (UVA), 2) ultraviolet B (UVB), and 3) ultraviolet C (UVC). We will only discuss UVA and UVB rays; UVC rays are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer before reaching earth. UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth's surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can increase a person's risk for developing skin cancer. UVB rays are less abundant at the earth's surface than UVA because a significant portion of UVB rays is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays penetrate less deeply into the skin than do UVA rays, but also can be damaging.
11 Remember to protect your skin from the sun ALL YEAR ROUND!Remember that you can get sun damage even when it’s cloudy or during the winter months when it’s cold.
12 How Do I Protect My Skin? “Slip, Slop, Slap, & Wrap”SLIP on a shirt SLAP on a hat with a 2 to 3-inch brim all around to protect neck, ears, nose and scalp SLOP on sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of or higher WRAP on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them Keep in mind that sunscreen is not meant to allow you to spend more time in the sun than you would otherwise. That's why it is important to complement sunscreen use with other sun protection options: cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, AND WRAP can be a helpful way to remember what you need to do: SLIP on a shirt. A regular t-shirt can provide an SPF less than 10, so it’s important to follow all these tips together. SLOP on sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher…and reapply as often as directed on the product’s instructions SLAP on a hat with a 2 to 3-inch brim all around to protect neck, ears, nose and scalp WRAP on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them.
13 What is Sunscreen? Sunscreen is a substance that helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb and scatter UVA and UVB rays and protect the skin from sunburn. Sunscreens come in a variety of forms Lotions, gels, sprays Made for specific purposes, such as the scalp, sensitive skin, and for use on babies Sunscreen is a substance that helps protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb and scatter UVA and UVB rays and protect the skin from sunburn. Sunscreens come in a variety of forms such as lotions, gels, and sprays. There are also sunscreens made for specific purposes, such as the scalp, sensitive skin, and for use on babies.(The Skin Cancer Foundation
14 Sunscreen (cont’d) As a rule of thumb, you should alwaysSunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers mean more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Make sure to apply – and reapply – especially after swimming or sweating. Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Follow the sunscreen’s directions regarding reapplication to get the most protection. Remember you should still reapply frequently, especially during peak sun hours (10am – 4pm) or after swimming or sweating.
15 Any Special Info for Children?Infant skin burns more easily than that of older kids. Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age, so just keep them out of the sun whenever possible. If your infant must be in the sun, dress him or her in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face. Use an umbrella to create shade. For kids age 6 months and older, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it's important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. Since infants have thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, their skin burns more easily than that of older kids. But sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age, so they absolutely must be kept out of the sun whenever possible. If your infant must be in the sun, dress him or her in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face. Use an umbrella to create shade. For kids age 6 months and older, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). To avoid possible skin allergy, avoid sunscreens with PABA, and if your child has sensitive skin, look for a product with the active ingredient titanium dioxide (a chemical-free block).
16 BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES WITH YOUR KIDS AND LOVED ONES!!!How Do I Use Sunscreen? Apply sunscreen whenever you will be in the sun. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don't forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Don't try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; apply it generously. Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours. Reapply after if you’ve been sweating or swimming. Apply a waterproof sunscreen if you will be around water or swimming. And regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when you come out of the water. Throw away any sunscreen products that are past their expiration dates BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES WITH YOUR KIDS AND LOVED ONES!!! For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. Be sure to: Apply sunscreen whenever your child will be in the sun. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before kids go outside so that a good layer of protection can form. Don't forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves). Don't try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen; apply it generously. Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 to 3 hours, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Reapply after a child is sweating or swimming. Apply a waterproof sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun's rays, so kids need protection that lasts. Waterproof sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat- and rub-proof. But regardless of the waterproof label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water. Throw away any sunscreen products that are past their expiration dates. You can find the date on the product’s packaging.
17 Why is Early Detection Important?The goal of early detection is to discover and stop a cancerous tumor before it grows and spreads (metastasizes). A person’s chance for a full recovery is better if cancer is detected and treated earlier. The goal of cancer screening & early detection is to find cancer before it grows and spreads. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 2,530 new cases of melanoma in 2009. Estimates of the deaths that could have been avoided through screening vary from 3% to 35%, depending on a variety of assumptions. Beyond the potential for avoiding death, screening may reduce cancer morbidity (or sickness due to cancer) since treatment for earlier-stage cancers is often less aggressive than that for more advanced cancers.
18 How Do I Check for Skin Cancer?Use the 5 W’s Who? YOU! What? Abnormal spots, moles or freckles When? Regularly; Once a month Where? All over the body, including scalp and soles of feet How? Have your doctor do a full body exam first, and then check yourself (and those you love) regularly First, you should have your doctor do a full body exam. This way, you’ll know what is normal. Then, every month, look for abnormal spots, moles, or freckles all over your body including your scalp and the soles of your feet. If there are places that you can’t see, ask someone you trust to help you look. And don’t forget about places like between the toes, under the breasts, and places where your skin may have folds.
22 For More Information…. National Cancer Institute (NCI) www.cancer.govAmerican Cancer Society Skin Cancer Foundation Office of Community Outreach The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
23 Kiameesha Evans, MPH, CHESContributors Marianne Balay, RN Arnold Baskies, MD Kiameesha Evans, MPH, CHES Peg Knight, RN, MEd Amanda Medina, MA, MPH Janice Mehnert, MD Jonathan Lee, MD Marge Rojewski, RN, MPH
24 Died of melanoma which started in his toe and spread to brainBob Marley ( ) Reggae musician Died of melanoma which started in his toe and spread to brain *Info provided by Tiffany Weirbach Melanoma Foundation As a final note, in case you didn’t know anyone who died of melanoma…. Has anyone ever heard of Bob Marley? Bob Marley, internationally known reggae musician, died at the age of 36 of melanoma which started in his toe and spread to his brain. *from Tiffany Weirbach Melanoma Foundation
25 Any Questions?