Skin Cancer: What You Should Know Randy R. Weigel University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service

Skin Cancer Most common cancer in US Fastest increasing cancer in US 1,000,000 people had some form of skin cancer in 2003

Skin Cancer Three main types -- basal-cell -- squamous-cell -- melanoma The main difference between melanomas and other skin cancers is that melanoma can metastasize (spread) to distant body sites including the lungs, liver or brain.

The Skin & Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma *Seventh most common cancer in the United States. *One out of every 105 Americans born in 1991 will develop malignant melanoma (compared to 1 out of 1,500 in 1935). *The number of new cases of melanoma has more than doubled since 1973.

Melanoma (cont.) Most common cancer in young adults age Among women age 30-35, incidence is exceeded only by breast cancer Incidence increasing 4% annually, higher than any other cancer On average, one melanoma death in the U.S. per hour

Melanoma (cont.) Increase is the result of recreational sun exposure, thinning of the ozone layer, and better detection. In 2001, an estimated 48,000 new cases of melanoma occurred. In 2003, 54,000 new cases occurred In 2000, skin cancer claimed the lives of 9,600 people.

Top 8 Invasive Cancers Wyoming and US, 1997 WyomingUnited StatesProstrateBreastLungColon BladderLymphoma MelanomaBladder LymphomaMelanomaRectal

Wyoming and Melanoma 72 people died from melanoma cancer from Wyoming ranked 2 nd in the U.S. for melanoma deaths from Wyoming ranked 5 th in the U.S. for melanoma deaths from Which Wyoming counties had the highest % of melanoma cases?

ABCDs A symmetry B order C olor D iameter

Asymmetry One half does not match the other half.

Border irregularity The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

Color The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, or black are present. A mottled appearance.

Diameter Greater than ¼ inch. Any sudden or continuing increase in size is of special concern.

Normal Mole

Malignant Mole

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation UVA – UVB - UVC The sun radiates energy over a broad spectrum of wavelengths. UV radiation, which has a shorter wavelength than visible blue or violet light, is responsible for sunburns and other health effects: Skin cancer Cataracts Suppression of the immune system Premature aging of the skin

Sunburns …We found an increased risk of melanoma related to the frequency of sunburns during all periods of life. More than five sunburns doubled the melanoma risk, irrespective of the time in life. British Journal of Dermatology (2001)

What Can You Do? Increasing Awareness -- that melanoma is serious -- the importance of prevention -- self-exams -- getting in and getting it treated

Malignant Mole

See Spot See Spot Change See Doctor……………. Or, See Spot Kill!