Skin CancerA presentation by:

Preetha R., Justin S., Menal S., and Shwetha R.

IntroductionSkin Cancer, the unrestrained growth and division of skin cells, is the most common type of cancer in America. Skin Cancer can be divided into two categories, Melanoma and Non-Melanoma. Melanoma is the most deadliest type of skin cancer caused by the cancerous growth which develops when the unrepaired DNA damages to skin cells. Annually, 8,790 people in the United States die from Melanoma each year. Moreover, Non-Melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Over 1.3 million cases were reported every year in the United States.

Who it affectsSkin cancer mainly affects people who have:

● a fair complexion (light skin that freckles or burns easily, blue eyes, or blond or red hair)

● multiple moles (typically more than 25)

● more than the average amount of UV exposure (whether from the sun or a tanning bed)

● a history of frequent or severe sunburns

● a relative with melanoma or a family history of irregular moles

● had a previous melanoma (moles typically don't grow back after being removed, but a person who's had melanoma

once is more likely to have a recurrence somewhere else)

Although it's less likely, you can still get melanoma even if you're dark skinned, young, and have no family history. It appears

that behavior — too much sun exposure and not enough skin protection — can override the other risk factors.

THEREFORE, people with a fair complexion with many moles who are older and burn easily are typically the ones who develop

skin cancer.

Causes/Risk Factors-Exposure to ultraviolet rays-Spending a lot of time in the sun-Having light colored skin, hair, and eyes-Indoor tanning-Over 50 years old

SymptomsSome signs and symptoms for Melanoma include:

● Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other half.

● Border irregularity: The spot has borders which are not smooth and regular but uneven or

notched.

● Color: The spot has several colors in an irregular pattern or is a very different color than the rest

of your moles.

● Diameter: The spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

Some signs and symptoms for Non-Melanoma include:

● Change in the skin, such as a growth,

● An irritation or sore that does not heal,

● Change in a wart or a mole.

TreatmentsTreatment for melanoma typically includes surgery to remove the lesion. If doctors suspect that cancerous cells may have traveled to other areas of the body, treatment may also include radiation or chemotherapy. Doctors may use immunotherapy, a treatment that stimulates the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells, alongside these other treatments

Prevention

-Wear sunscreen-Avoid exposure to UV rays-Don’t tan-Wear a large brimmed hat (or a sombrero)

Reliable Resources for more info:● www.cdc.gov● www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus● www.mayo.edu● www.who.int● www.kidshealth.org

ClosingIs skin cancer deadly?Yes, melanoma is a deadly cancer. Melanoma happens to be the deadliest of all the cancers.

Can you get skin cancer from tanning?Yes, skin cancer is often diagnosed to people who excessively tan in the sun or use tanning beds. This is because the ultraviolet rays harm the skin when not protected properly.