Skin Cancer: Helping patients understand

 

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Introduction

Skin Cancer in Australia and the world

Skin Cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia – accounting for 80% of all cancer diagnoses - and Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world resulting in an excess of 400,000 new cases per year and causing approximately 1,500 deaths per year. Recent reports estimate that $264 million is spent on non-melanoma skin cancers and $30 million is spent on melanoma, making skin cancer Australia’s most expensive cancer.

Worldwide, many countries with high numbers of Caucasioan type skin including New Zealand, USA, UK and South Africa,  have huge skin cancer problems similar to Australia,and this is only going to get worse as the popiulation ages and people live longer. 

In Australia, there has been a 40% increase in new melanoma cases per year since 1994, with Queensland being the state with the highest incidence of melanoma. The risk of developing melanoma before the age of 75 is 1 in 24 for males and 1 in 33 for females and Melanoma is the most common cancer in the 15-24 year old age group. Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australian men, after prostate and colon cancer, and is the third most common cancer in Australian women, after breast and colon cancer.

With this book, I hope to help raise the importance of skin cancer prevention as well as educate patients both in Australia and the rest of the world about the different types of skin cancer and the treatment options available for each. I also hope to increase awareness the factors that contribute to being at a high risk for skin cancer.

(Statistics derived in part from http://www.skincancer.gov.au/internet/skincancer/publishing.nsf/Content/fact-2)

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Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

The following factors may increase your risk of skin cancer:

Fair skin. Having less pigment (melanin) in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation. If you have blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you are much more likely to develop skin cancer than a person with darker features.

A history of sunburns. Sunburn is your body's attempt to heal itself from the sun's damaging rays. Every time you get sunburned, you damage your skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. If you have had one or more severe, blistering sunburns as a child or teenager, you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburn in adulthood is also a risk factor.

Excessive sun exposure. Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if your skin isn't protected by sunscreen or clothing. Tanning also puts you at risk. A tan is your skin's injury response to excessive UV radiation.

Sunny or high-altitude climates. People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight and UV radiation than people who live in colder climates. Living at higher elevations, where the sunlight is strongest, also exposes you to more UV radiation.

Moles. People who have many moles or abnormal moles, called dysplastic nevi, are at increased risk of developing skin cancer. These abnormal moles — which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles — are more likely than others to become cancerous. If you have a history of abnormal moles, watch them regularly for any changes that may occur.

Precancerous skin lesions. Having skin lesions such as actinic keratoses can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in color from brown to dark pink. They're most common on the face, lower arms, and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been sun damaged.

A family history of skin cancer. If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may be at increased risk of developing the disease. Some families are affected by a condition called familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome. The hallmarks of FAMMM include a history of melanoma in one or more close relatives and having more than 50 moles — some of which are atypical. Because people with this syndrome have an extremely high risk of developing melanoma, frequent screening for signs of skin cancer is crucial.

A personal history of skin cancer. If you have developed skin cancer once, you are at risk of developing it again. Even basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that have been successfully removed can recur in the same spot, often within two to three years.

A weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.

Fragile skin. Skin that has been burned, injured, or weakened by treatments for other skin conditions is more susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer. Certain psoriasis treatments and eczema creams might increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Exposure to environmental hazards. Exposure to environmental chemicals, including some herbicides, increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Age. The risk of developing skin cancer increases with age, primarily because many skin cancers develop slowly. The damage that occurs during childhood or adolescence may not become apparent until middle age. Still, skin cancer isn't limited to older people. The incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are increasing fastest among women younger than 40.

 

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Skin cancer risk quiz

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Vitamin D and UV rays

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What is sunburn?

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Kids, the sun and skin cancer

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I am having a skin biopsy - what does this mean?

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Benign Skin Spots

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Types of skin cancer

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Prognostic Factors in Melanoma

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I have a melanoma - now what?

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Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

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Digital photography of spots

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Examining your own Skin and the ABCD Rule

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Where to go to have your Skin Cancer Treated

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What happens after my skin cancer is treated?

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Follow-up after skin cancer

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Skin Cancer Prevention

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Sunscreens and Physical Sun Protection

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Protective eyewear

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Nutrition and Skin Cancer

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About Dr Ian Katz, MD

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