Skin Cancer Resources Online
Representing nearly half of all new cancers detected every year, skin
cancer is "the most common and most rapidly increasing form of cancer
in the United States," according to The Centers for Disease Control.
But, armed with the right information, you can keep it from killing
you.
The best place to start is the American Academy of Dermatology's comprehensive skin cancer section, with 60 pages of news and information. If that overwhelms you, MedicineNet provides an excellent one-page overview of the disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments. Here's where to find answers to your specific questions:
Am I at Risk?
Skin
cancer is the most common form of cancer for people in their twenties,
but it affects people in all age groups. Those with light complexions
and a history of sunburn have a higher risk for all forms of skin cancer,
but the disease is not limited to them. You can calculate your personal
risk for the disease at the AAD's Personal Skin Cancer Risk Profile,
which calculates how high your risk factor is based on your answers
to seven questions.
What Do I Look For?
Skin cancer can take many different forms. "The cancer may start as a small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump," writes MedicineNet. "It can also appear as a firm red lump. Sometimes, the lump bleeds or develops a crust. Skin cancer can also start as a flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly." In doubt? The ADD provides pictures, as well as instruction in how to perform a self exam.
How Do I Prevent it?
In the case of skin cancer, prevention is all about sun care. The AAD's list of preventative measures includes wearing a hat, strong sunscreen and dark-colored clothing -- and staying out of the sun altogether when possible. A good discussion of sunscreens can be found on Skin Care Today, and the EPA has a page instructing readers in How to Pick a Sunscreen. Even so, sun avoidance is the surest option, since recent studies have indicated that sunscreen may not prevent skin cancer.
How Do I Gauge the Sun's Strength?
Another useful prevention tool is the UV index map of the United States presented by the Weather Channel and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It displays the strength of the sun's rays daily, so you'll know how cautious to be. And of course the trusty AAD has a helpful explanation of what the index means. (A text bulletin of the UV index for various cities across the country is available from the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)
UV index maps also are available for Australia, Austria, Europe, New Zealand and the world. The NOAA also provides UV text bulletins for many international cities.
Skin Cancer Links
Finally, the Skin Cancer Page has an excellent collection of links, from the University of Newcastle, U.K.
--Julie C. Roth
(NetGuide originally posted this article on May 24, 1998.)
