Men Are Twice As Likely To Have Basal Cell Carcinoma And Three Times As Likely To Have Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Dietary sodium or salt is linked to many diseases ranging from
kidney problems to high blood pressure, but how do you eat
less salt? Salt seems to be everywhere and even if you don t
use the salt shaker, your dietary intake may still be high. Next
month we ll look at the health risks of too much salt and how to
reduce your consumption.
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While you do probably know that avoiding sun damage throughout your life will reduce your risk for developing skin cancer, how diligent are you about sun sense?
Skin cancers are named after the type of cells they affect. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer involving the overgrowth of basal skin cells. It is also the least dangerous because it rarely metastasizes or spreads to other parts of your body.
The second most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, affecting squamous cells which are described below. About a third of the time, squamous cell carcinoma spreads elsewhere in the body.
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of
skin cancer with about a 25 per cent death rate.
You have about 20 square feet of skin, covering
your body completely. The epidermis, dermis and
subcutaneous layers make up the skin.
The cells that are involved in cancer are found
in the epidermis. Basal cells in the lower levels of
the epidermis produce squamous cells which move
to the skin surface. As they move upwards, the
squamous cells become flatter and harder due to a
process called keratinization.
The result is keratin (a layer of dead, tough,
waterproof skin cells) which is especially thick on
the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. On
hands and feet, keratin also occurs in spiral and
concentric patterns, creating finger and foot prints.
Eventually, these keratinized cells slough off and
are replaced by newer ones, with the whole process
taking six to eight weeks.
Specialized cells in the epidermis called melanocytes
produce melanin. This is the pigment responsible
for skin colour. Ironically, when the melanin
cells darken as the result of exposure to sun (i. e.
when you get a tan), they are actually trying to
defend the body against sun damage.
Skin cancer can take decades to develop, which
means the sunburn you received when you were a
teenager can contribute to skin cancer decades later.
About one in 400 Canadians are affected each year
by either basal or squamous cell carcinoma, but only
about one in 75,000 are affected by malignant melanoma.
However, malignant melanoma is the seventh
most common cancer and accounts for about three per
cent of all cancers. As the Canadian population ages,
unfortunately, we may see these numbers increase.
If you are at increased risk for skin cancer, it is
imperative that you practice sun sense and that you
perform regular skin checks.
A family or personal history of skin cancer increases
your risk. Fair-skinned people and those who burn or
freckle easily are more susceptible to sun effects. If you
have had more sun exposure you have an increased
risk. That can be because you re older, and therefore
have been exposed to the sun over a longer period, or
because of the intensity of your exposure because you
live at a high altitude or because you do outdoor work,
such as farming. Interestingly, men are twice as likely
to have basal cell carcinoma and three times as likely
to have squamous cell carcinoma.
Stay out of the sun when it is the strongest, usually
between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m. Seek shaded areas
and avoid reflected light, and wear a wide-brimmed
hat, long sleeves and long pants.
Use a sun screen of SPF 15 or greater with both
UVA and UVB protection and remember to apply
it about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Also be sure to re-apply it often, especially after
sweating or swimming.
Early detection translates into early and more successful
treatment. However, you need to know what
to look for. It is the ABCDE s of skin cancer: Asymmetrical
lesions, Border irregularity, Colour change,
Diameter of six millimetres or more (about the size of
a pencil eraser), and Evolving or changing.
Regular skin checks mean that you will be able
to notice changes. Start at your head and work
your way down to your toes. You ll need a full-length
mirror, a hand mirror to see areas such as
your back, and a comb to lift your hair from skin
areas like your scalp.
As the adage goes, everyone is looking for a
place in the sun, but make sure you use sun sense
when you get there!
Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in
healthcare and education
