1. The Dangers of Skin Cancer
Are we educated enough?

2. Statement of the Problem
Even though we have been educated on the dangers of skin cancer and its prevention, Melanoma/skin cancer continues to increase at an alarming rate.

3. Background leading to the problem
Lack of Knowledge
“No big deal?”
YES! It is a big deal.
Types include:
Basil Cell
Melanoma
Squamous Cell

4. Ozone Depletion Harmful effects of UV-B Location Lattitude/Longitue
Time of day
Ultra Violet Index

5. Are Tan Skins Cool?
Behavior and attitude

6. Tanning Salon
There's more evidence on the hazards of tanning beds. Baking under their artificial lamps as little as once a month can boost your risk of a deadly form of skin cancer by 55% -- and the danger is even greater when done in early adulthood.

7. Significance to Optimal Health
Spending time outdoors in the fresh air does wonders for the body and soul. Just remember that your skin needs extra protection from the sun.

8. Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas

9. Types of Skin Cancer
Malignant Melanoma

10. Other Effects From the Sun
Skin Damage
Cataracts and Other Eye Damage
Immune Suppression

11. Other Problems
In terms of cancer types; skin cancer history was most strongly tied to liver cancer, followed by Hodgkin disease, leukemia, and lung cancer.
Women who have had the most common forms of skin cancer are 2.3 times as likely to also get deadlier cancers such as breast, lung, and colon.

12. Possible Solutions Don’t sunbathe
Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
When outdoors use SPF 15 or higher
without SPF 15 reddening takes 20 mins
with SPF 15 reddening takes 5 hours (reapply every 2 hours & after swimming)
Several sunburns over course of a lifetime can double/ triple melanoma risk no matter when sunburns occurred

13. Possible Solutions
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, UV- protective sunglasses
Stay away from artificial tanning devices
Teach children good sun protection habits at an early age. Damages that lead to adult skin cancers start in childhood
Examine self from head to toe once every 3 months
Tinted windows in automobile

14. Year Round Protection
During winter ( Reflections from snow can double the UV rays from the sun)
UV radiation is not only associated with heat
Clouds/ Haze- water droplets magnify UV rays.
Latitude- closer to the equator, more potent sun rays.
Altitude- UV radiation increases 4-5% every 1000 ft. above sea level.
Reflection- water, sand, concrete and snow reflect 90% of UV rays.
Photosensitive Reactions- medicines for acne or antibiotics

15. Variety of Approach
UVB causes basal, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma.
UVA causes wrinkling, leathering, photo aging because it penetrates deeper and exacerbates UVB effects.

16. Youth Sun Care Avoid sunburns as a child.
Babies under 6 months old should spend very little time in the sun. If exposed to the sun protective clothing and sunglasses should be worn.
Children over 6 months should always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.

17. The ABCD’s of Skin Cancer
A – Asymmetry
B – Border
C – Color
D – Diameter

18. Treatments Removal – Laser / Excision or cutting out
Surgery – lymph nodes
Chemotherapy / Immunotherapy
Benign / Malignant

19. Latest News of Sunscreens Long-term Effects
Sunscreen as of now is tested with a significant and favorable impact on public health as part of an overall strategy to reduce UV exposure.

20. Start Early Parents should educate their children immediately!
Experts warn that even one severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Kids get 80% of their life time sun before age 18.
Safety tips must be practiced constantly!

21. Best Protection
Besides using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, a regularly scheduled full-body exam by your health care professional is key to prevention!
This is because melanoma can occur on areas of your body that are not exposed to the sun.
It often takes a trained eye to spot melanoma in early stages.

22. Self Examination You should examine yourself regularly
The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, standing in front of a full length mirror.
Use a handheld mirror to help you view areas that are difficult to see.
If you notice any odd-looking mole or marking, contact your doctor ASAP!

23. Solution to the Problem
Sun Avoidance is the best defense against skin cancer
Visit your dermatologist at least once a year
Early detection is the surest way to a cure!
Sun Screen! Sun Screen! Sun Screen!

24. If Not Addressed
About 91,900 new cases of melanoma in the United States, in 2003
7,600 are expected to die from melanoma (4,700 men and 2,900 women)

25. Prevention Sun Block Reduce your Exposure of the Sun
Protective Clothing
Self Exam
Dermatology visits
Education and Awareness

26. Best Prevention Education and Awareness
*Do a personal skin cancer profile.
*For more information visit
*Call the Skin Cancer Institute at

27. The Dangers of Skin Cancer
Presented by:
Melissa Anderson
Francis Llave
Julia McElmoyle
Jeff Poe
Eri Saito
Jeb Stewart