Ogden Clinic Urges Sun Safety to Help Utahans Fight the Threat of Skin Cancer
Ogden, Utah (June 2, 2010) - With hot summer days ahead, Ogden Clinic reminds Utahns to cover up, frequently apply sunscreen and perform a quick, potentially life-saving skin cancer self-check regularly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Utah ranks fourth highest in melanoma cases in the U.S. and has a 37 percent higher death rate from skin cancer than the national average. Although many common cancer rates are falling, the number of patients with melanoma continues to rise significantly.
"Utah's predominately fair-complexioned population and common outdoor lifestyle combine to put Utahans at risk for skin cancer. Unfortunately, it seems that many young people still believe that a tan looks healthy rather than recognizing that it is the precursor to unattractive wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and skin cancer," said Dr. Jack Lyons, dermatologist at Ogden Clinic.
According to the CDC and National Cancer Institute the incidence of melanoma continues to rise considerably, at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers. Melanoma accounts for most of the deaths from skin cancer. This potentially fatal skin cancer is not just a disease of older people; it is one of the most common causes of cancer death in young adults.
The important basic measures that can protect families from skin cancer are:
- Wear a water-resistant, "broad spectrum" sunscreen with protection against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet light. Re-apply to sun-exposed skin at least every two hours while outdoors.
- Avoid being in the direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Work and play in the morning or evening hours rather than mid-day when possible.
- Cover up. Wear a hat, shirt and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors.
"Skin cancers can occur not only from sunburns, but also as a consequence of cumulative sun exposure acquired over a number of years. Protect your skin before leaving the house, even if you do not expect to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Skin cancers can develop from multiple small exposures in the sun," said Dr. Lyons.
Dr. Lyons also recommends conducting a quick and easy, potentially life-saving skin cancer self-check every few months after getting out of the bath or shower. It is especially important to check for new, changing or irregular moles.
The following are signs of a possible melanoma (potentially life-threatening mole cancer) that should be checked by a physician. They can be remembered as A,B,C,D,E:
- A is for Asymmetrically. Draw an imaginary line though the approximate center of a melanoma, one side of the line should mirror image the other. If the melanoma is flat, one half could not be imaginarily flipped over and match the other side.
- B is for Border irregularity. The edges or border of a melanoma often has a jagged or irregular outline instead of being round or oval in shape.
- C is for Color variegation. Melanomas often exhibit more than one color. Different shades of brown in the same growth are common, as is the color black. Melanomas may also occasionally have some red, white or bluish areas or rarely no brown color at all.
- D is for Diameter greater than 6 millimeters. The length or width of melanomas is often greater than 6 mm, which is the size of the top of a pencil eraser.
- E is for Evolution. Evolution refers to the fact that a change or evolution in a mole should cause one to be concerned about melanoma.
Any mole that exhibits any features noted above should be checked by a dermatologist or a health care provider knowledgeable about skin cancer and melanoma. (However, not all melanomas have all of these features, and not all spots with these features are melanoma.)
"Melanoma is a serious problem. People should learn how to recognize a skin lesion as a potential melanoma," said Dr. Lyons. "Also, any growing spot, especially ones on the face, should be checked, as should pimple-like facial growth or new bumps which are not shrinking or improving in approximately six weeks. Quite commonly we see patients with skin cancers who delayed their evaluation for several months because they mistook their cancer for persistent pimples."
An estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon combined. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults (15-29).
Additional information and other important sun safety tips are available at www.ogdenclinic.com or by calling 801.475. 3000
About Ogden Clinic
For more than 60 years, Ogden Clinic has been taking care of families in the local community. The clinic is a physician-owned, multi-specialty group practice offering urgent and after hours care to ensure the community's healthcare needs are met. They accept all major insurance plans.
Ogden Clinic is comprised of seven clinic locations including Harrison Boulevard Clinic, 4650 Harrison Blvd.; Washington Boulevard Clinic, 4350 Washington Blvd.; Skyline Clinic, 6112 South 1550 East; Canyon View Clinic, 11159 East 12th St.; Grand View Clinic, 3485 West 5200 South in Roy; Mountain View Clinic, 1100 West 2700 North in Pleasant View; and Ogden Clinic Physical Therapy, 4700 Harrison Blvd. Ogden Clinic has become a staple in the community with leading experts providing quality care.