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CancerSmart Web Cast March 22, 2007 -- Drs. Hadley Claire King, Kishwer Nehal, and Jedd Wolchok present "The latest developments in the screening and treatment of skin cancer."
Total Run time: 55 minutes |
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The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself and your family from excessive exposure to sunlight -- and not only when you go to the beach. Skin cancer prevention should be practiced every day by wearing protective clothing, avoiding the mid-day sun, and using sunscreen.
Squamous cell carcinomas have an excellent cure rate when found early. It is particularly important to identify these cancers early, however, because a small percentage can metastasize, or spread to other organs. Schedule regular visits to a dermatologist or other physician to ensure that skin cancers will be diagnosed and treated before they can become life threatening.
Some squamous cell tumors develop from precancerous lesions, called actinic keratoses, which are small rough spots caused by over-exposure to the sun. Most actinic keratoses slough away eventually, cause no other symptoms, and do not develop into cancers. However, because they indicate sun over-exposure and because some can become cancers, they should be checked by a doctor.
During a skin examination the clinician notes any changes on your skin and the location and appearance of any new growth, spot, or bump -- and will determine whether any look like they might be cancerous or precancerous. After you have been examined for skin cancer, you will also be taught how to examine your skin yourself, paying particular attention to any marks on the skin that are changing in appearance.
