Related Articles
00 / 00
-
A closeup photo of a person's extended arm, which they touch with their other hand as they stand outside.
-
-
Important announcement concerning Temple Health and Keystone First. Our provider agreement with Keystone First, is scheduled to end on July 31st. Learn about your options to continue receiving care at Temple Health.
PHILADELPHIA (May 14, 2020) – May is Skin Cancer Prevention Month. Skin cancer is, by far, the most common type of cancer in the US, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The two most common types of skin cancers, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, are usually very treatable and most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun—such as the head, neck and arms. The third most common type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous and likely to spread. Today, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults (those younger than age 30), especially in young women.
About 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the US. Death from basal and squamous cell skin cancers is uncommon. Melanoma accounts for only about 1 percent of skin cancers but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths. The ACS estimates about 6,850 people (4,610 men and 2,240 women) will die of melanoma in 2020.
“Anyone can get skin cancer – the disease does not discriminate. When skin cancer is caught early, more treatment ptions are available, and most skin cancers are often curable,” said Jeffrey Farma, MD, FACS, chief of the Division of General Surgery at Fox Chase. “Everyone should know the early signs of skin cancer and protect their skin from the sun’s damaging rays.”
According to the ACS, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which comes directly from the sun or man-made sources, like tanning beds and sun lamps. Fortunately, everyone can take action to protect their skin from UV radiation.
In its 2018 final recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended counseling for young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children about minimizing exposure to UV radiation for fair-skinned persons ages 6 months to 24 years, to reduce their risk of skin cancer. The Task Force also recommended that counseling be selectively offered to adults older than 24 years with fair skin about minimizing their exposure to UV radiation to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a new spot on the skin, or a spot that’s changing in size, shape, or color. The ABCDE rule of skin cancer is a helpful tool in identifying possible malignancies:
“By being familiar with your skin markings, like moles, freckles and blemishes, it’s easier notice if any changes occur,” said Farma. “If a change does occur, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Be vigilant in checking your skin regularly, and have your skin examined annually by a doctor or dermatologist for signs of skin cancer.”
For more information on skin cancer and the Fox Chase Cancer Center Melanoma Program, please call 1-888-FOX CHASE or visit FoxChase.org.
Fox Chase Cancer Center (Fox Chase), which includes the Institute for Cancer Research and the American Oncologic Hospital and is a part of Temple Health, is one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase is also one of just 10 members of the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence six consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. It is the policy of Fox Chase Cancer Center that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.
For more information, call 888-369-2427
A closeup photo of a person's extended arm, which they touch with their other hand as they stand outside.