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TANNING FACTS: Skin Cancer Facts
| Fact #1: |
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million cases in two million people are diagnosed annually. [1]
| Fact #2: |
(The following information has been extracted from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) web site [Accessed on 15 May 2010] [3]).In Australia, every year:
Skin cancers account for 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.
GPs in Australia have over 1 million patient consultations per year for skin cancer.
Around 434,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers, of which about 450 die.
More than 10,300 people are treated for melanoma, of which around 1250 die.
Melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15-44 years.
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in both women and men.
Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, at nearly four times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.
The rate of melanoma incidence in women has risen by an average of 0.7% a year between 1993 and 2003 – a total increase of 6.8% over this decade. For men, the rate has risen by 1.7% a year, a total of 18.7% over the same period.
The five-year relative survival rate for melanoma is 90% for Australian men and 95% for Australian women.
Skin cancer is the most expensive cancer. In 2001, it was estimated the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer cost $264 million and melanoma $30 million.
- GP consultations to treat non-melanoma skin cancer increased by 14% between 1998-2000 and 2005-2007 – from around 836,500 to 950,000 visits each year. [2]
What it is:
There are two main types of skin cancer:
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Melanoma
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Non-melanoma
Melanoma is the less common, but more dangerous form of skin cancer, and accounts for most of the deaths due to skin cancer each year. Melanoma is cancer that begins in the epidermal cells that produce melanin (melanocytes). According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) melanoma is almost always curable when detected in its early stages.
Non-melanomas (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) occur in the basal or squamous cells located at the base of the epidermis, both inside and outside the body. Non-melanomas often develop in sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), offers a checklist to help determine your risk of developing skin cancer: What is Your Risk? Checklist.
Why it happens:
Predisposition to skin cancer can be hereditary, meaning it is passed through the generations of a family through genes. There is also strong evidence suggesting that exposure to UV rays, both UVA and UVB, can cause skin cancer.
UV radiation may promote skin cancer in two different ways:
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By damaging the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow abnormally and develop benign or malignant growths.
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By weakening the immune system and compromising the body’s natural defenses against aggressive cancer cells.
Symptoms:
Performing regular self skin cancer exams is a good way to protect yourself against skin cancer. The following are possible signs of skin cancer, and should be checked by a doctor.
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Any changes on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, birthmark, or other dark pigmentation
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Unexplained scaliness, oozing, or bleeding on the skin's surface
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A spot on the skin that suddenly feels itchy, tender, or painful
Treatment:
Skin cancer treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
The Bottom Line:
According to the American Cancer Society, most of the more than one million skin cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. are considered sun-related. Skin cancer occurs in people of all skin tones, though it is less common in those with darker skin tones. Assessing your risk with the help of your doctor, protecting your skin, and performing regular skin cancer checks are the best methods of prevention.
(The following information has been extracted from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) web site [Accessed on 15 May 2010] [4]).
What it is:
A fourth type of growth, actinic or solar keratoses, is a concern because it can progress into cancer. Actinic keratoses are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer, and are caused by long-term exposure to sunlight. They are the most common pre-malignant skin condition, occurring in more than 5 million Americans each year.
Symptoms:
Actinic or solar keratoses share some of the symptoms of skin cancer. Look for raised, rough-textured, or scaly bumps that occur in areas that have been sunburned or tanned.
Treatment:
Most cases of actinic keratoses are easily treated in a dermatologist’s office by removing them with liquid nitrogen or chemical peels.
The Bottom Line:
Actinic or solar keratoses are the most common pre-malignant skin condition. Check with your doctor if you find any suspicious-looking bumps.
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Liquid Sun®
- Skin Cancer Foundation [Accessed on 15 May 2010 from http://www.skincancer.org/Skin-Cancer-Facts/]
- Skin Cancer Facts & Figures [Accessed on 15 May 2010 from http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/SunSmart/Skincancerfactsandfigures.htm]
- [Accessed on 15 May 2010 from http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116432.htm#4]
- [Accessed on 15 May 2010 from http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/Tanning/ucm116432.htm#5]
