Preventing Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma are the most common. Most skin cancers start as a precancerous lesion (most commonly called Actinic Keratosis).

Everyone has interesting forms of skin discoloration such as freckles and moles, most of which are completely normal. However, some of these spots do have the potential to turn into cancer. You should examine your own skin regularly between doctor visits. Watch for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks. Not all lesions will stand out. Cancer and precancerous spots can exist in areas of your skin that aren’t exposed to the sun. Be thorough when doing self-exams. Remember cancer can appear on your head (in your hair), between your toes and other conspicuous areas.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is a great resource and has several web pages that you can link to below for more detailed information

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer mostly occurring on areas of the skin that are excessively exposed to the sun. For more information and photos outlining the warning signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma use the following link http://www.skincancer.org/basal-cell-carcinoma.html

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and can be found in conspicuous areas such as mucus membranes, and genital area, but are most commonly found in areas exposed to the sun. For more information about Squamous Cell Carcinoma use the following link:
http://www.skincancer.org/squamous-cell-carcinoma.html

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma begins on the surface of the skin where it is easy to see and treat. If given time to grow, melanoma can grow down into the skin, ultimately reaching the blood and lymphatic vessels and spread around the body (metastasize), causing life-threatening illness. It is curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma, when found in its early stages is completely curable. The ABCDE’s of Melanoma is a very effective way to watch for signs of this most serious form of cancer. For photos outlining the ABCDE’s of Melanoma use the following link http://www.skincancer.org/the-abcdes-of-melanoma.html

TREATMENT

Surgical Removal and Biopsy — the cancer will be surgically removed and sent to the lab for biopsy . This treatment can be used for all of the above listed cancers, but it is also the only treatment for Melanoma. In addition to this treatment for Melanoma, more aggressive treatments may be required depending on the depth of the cancer.

Cryosurgery — Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill the cancer. Patients may experience a temporary sensation of burning or stinging. After being treated the cancer will peel off and heal within a week.

Topical Creams—A topical anti-cancer cream is applied to the skin of the affected area. Patients may experience mild to severe skin irritation and discomfort. A localized red spot may remain at the site of a treat AK before it disappears.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) — A PDT is an advanced 2 step treatment for cancers on the face, chest, scalp or arms. This therapy is unique because it uses a light activated drug therapy to destroy the cancer. The 2-step process consists of treatment with a topical solution, and the BLU-U Blue Light. Dr. Scheel may also recommend a Dermasweep micro dermabrasion prior to a PDT treatment. The Dermasweep is a treatment that uses a gentle abrasion with suction to remove or peel the dead outer layer of skin in order to better prepare the skin for the topical solution for the PDT.

Chemical Peeling—A chemical solution is applied to the affected area of the skin. The peel causes the skin to peel over a period of days. After the skin peels, new skin forms to replace it. This treatment can cause some discomfort and will cause redness, swelling and crusting of the skin for a period of time after the treatment

What should we believe…sunscreens may cause skin cancer? We should get as much sun as possible to get Vitamin D? The damage is done….?

The truth is that preventing skin cancer is like preventing any other kind of cancer. Our bodies are amazing to start with, and they do much of the work already on their own! There are cells from our immune system that "mop up" any damaged cells that could go on to become cancerous. Why does skin cancer form? The sun hits our skin and produces free radicals, which inflict DNA damage. When the body can't keep up with all the damage, that's when skin cancer can form. What can we do to prevent it? Help your body from three directions: sun protection to minimize the environmental insult, keeping a healthy immune system and supplementing with antioxidants that quench free radicals.

Here are some tips to do just that:

Sun protection is not just about sunscreen. Sun protection means hats, sun protective clothing or sunguard laundry powder. Rash guards in the water, avoiding the mid day sun, protecting yourself when you are driving or near a window, and considering UV protection and glasses are also effective in minimizing the impact of the sun's rays.

Sunscreen helps protect you from sun damage. Wear SPF30 on the face, neck, hands and other parts of the body that aren't covered when you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes. To decrease the chemical burden on your body, look for chemical free sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Try Skin Ceuticals Physical block (micronized) (Lokahi $34), Jason's chemical SPF30 or Dr. Hauschka's (Kona Naturals), MyChelle SPF30 (Online).

Diet is key for maintaining a healthy immune system. Include as many antioxidant foods in your diet as possible. Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables. Focus on foods rich in Omega 3-fatty acids such as wild salmon and other cold-water fish, like herring, sardines, halibut and mackerel, at least twice a week or take an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement, 2 capsules (1000 mg) daily with food. Stick with a good brand so that you don't "burp" a fishy taste. Try Eskimo 3 (Lokahi $21), Nordic Naturals (Kona Naturals).

Take a multivitamin that includes antioxidants and put them on your skin too. Vitamins A, C and E, along with other antioxidants, are in many facial products and sunscreens. DDF Organic Sunblock consists of 13 antioxidants (Lokahi $28). Scientific studies have shown that properly prepared Vitamin C serums can decrease sun damaged skin cells. (Lokahi Skin Ceuticals Vitamin C 15 Serum $75, Cellex C (Online). Other studies have shown a decrease in pre-cancers by a nightly use of a Vitamin A derivative like retinol (Skin Ceuticals Lokahi $42) or Retin-A (available by prescription $70-100-may be covered by insurance).

Other antioxidants that may benefit the skin include: milk, thistle, grape seed polyphenols (red wine), turmeric (curry), licorice extract and rosemary. Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor if you've never seen one to help you customize a diet and supplement regime that's right for you.

The benefits of green tea are being consistently proven. We recommend 3-5 cups a day. Make sure you are using filtered water. Studies are showing even topical green tea can sop up free radicals. Try Alba Organic Hawaiian SPF30 or Clarins SPF40 UV, both with green tea.

Get your Vitamin D. Rigorous sun protection could lead to depletion. Make sure you get about 10-15 minutes of exposure 2-3 times per week.

Don't forget the important mind body connection for keeping you and your immune system running in top shape. Surround yourself with people who support a positive outlook, not the TV or newspaper. Stimulate your mind and support your creative energies. Learn to meditate. Find ways that suit your lifestyle to reduce your reaction to the stressors that exist in our world. Try yoga, qi gong, getting a massage, praying, acupuncture and regular exercise.