Skin Cancer Prevention

Image via WikipediaEarly detection could save a life.. maybe even yours!

Skin Cancer Prevention:

Action Steps

■Schedule regular screenings                         

Annually or every 6 months for high risk patients or follow ups as directed by your provider.

■ Do Not Burn                     

Overexposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

■ Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds

UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes  your skin to age, wrinkle, and skin cancer.

■ Use Sunscreen              

Generously apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

■ Cover Up                             

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, when possible.

■ Seek Shade

 Seek shade when the sun's UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

■ Watch for the UV Index

Pay attention to the UV Index when planning outdoor activities to prevent over-exposure to the sun.

SKIN CANCER:

THROUGH OUT THE U.S.

Statistics:                                 

■ In 2008, more than 1 million people were diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common of all cancers.  More people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008 than with  breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined.

■ About 1 in 5 Americans will develop  skin cancer during their lifetime.

■ Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults (15-29 years old).

■ For people born in 2005, 1 in 5 will be  diagnosed with melanoma —  nearly 30 times the rate for people born in 1930.

■The cost of skin cancer:  In the U.S., medical costs to treat skin cancer are estimated at almost $2 billion annually.

1 AMERICAN

D I E S

OF MELANOMA ALMOST

EVERY HOUR.

BUT HERE AT

NORTH IDAHO DERMATOLOGY,

WE’VE TREATED OVER

 20,0000

PATIENTS, AND OF THOSE -

FOUR PATIENTS HAVE LOST THEIR BATTLE TO MELANOMA…

THEY WAITED TOO LONG

TO BE SCREENED,

AND IT WAS TOO LATE.

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Idaho had the highest melanoma incidence rate in the U.S. from 2001-2005.

Idaho had the highest melanoma death rate in the U.S. from 2001-2005.

(26% higher than the U.S. average!)

SKIN CANCER:

INCREASKING RISK IN IDAHO

                       

■ Sunburns 

A 2004 survey found that 48.5% of white adults in Idaho had at least one sunburn in the past year. (Sunburns are a significant risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

■ NEW cases of melanoma are responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths.

■ The annual rate of NEW melanoma diagnoses were 34% higher in Idaho than the national average from 2001-2005.

■ People who have white skin are at the highest risk for melanoma. 

■ New diagnoses of melanoma increased at a rate of about 3.6% per year in Idaho from 1975 to 2006.  The rate of increase was higher for males (4.2% per year) than for females (2.8% per year).

All references can be found at:

www.epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html

www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin

www.epa.gov/sunwise

Come make an appointment for you and your family today!