Skin CancerWinona State University Rochester Nursing Students

Introduction We are assisting Mayo Clinic with a

research project Purpose: Find out what patients know about

skin cancer and skin cancer screening Scope: Bring together people to share

stories, share medical evidence, and lead a discussion

**This discussion will be recorded

Skin Cancer RisksA lighter natural skin color.A personal or family history of skin cancer.Exposure to the sun through work and play.A history of sunburns, especially early in life.A history of indoor tanning.

http://www.cdc.gov

Skin Cancer Risks Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or

becomes painful in the sun.

Blue or green eyes.

Blond or red hair.

Certain types and a large number of moles.

http://www.cdc.gov

Threats of Skin Cancer Growths on the skin can be benign (not

cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign growths (such as moles) are

rarely a threat to life, generally can be removed, and usually don't grow back. They also don't invade the tissues around them and don't spread to other parts of the body.

https://www.nlm.nih.gov

Threats of Skin Cancer Malignant growths (such as melanoma,

basal cell cancer, or squamous cell cancer): May be a threat to life Often can be removed but sometimes grow

back May invade and damage nearby organs and

tissues May spread to other parts of the bodyhttps://www.nlm.nih.gov

Types of Skin CancerBasal Cell Carcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma Usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of

your body, such as your neck or face.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as: A pearly or waxy bump A flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion

www.mayoclinic.org

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Usually occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body.

People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma on areas that aren't often exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as: A firm, red nodule A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surfacewww.mayoclinic.org

Melanoma Can develop anywhere on your body

Can affect people of any skin tone.

Melanoma signs include: A large brownish spot with darker speckles A mole that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that

appear red, white, blue or blue-black Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on

mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anuswww.mayoclinic.org

What about you What experiences have you had?

What do you want to know?

Statistics Over the past three decades, more

people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime

Each year in the US, over 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people.

www.skincancer.org

Statistics Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin

cancer; an estimated 2.8 million are diagnosed annually in the US. It is rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. An estimated 700,000 cases of SCC are diagnosed each year in the US

An estimated 10,130 people will die of melanoma in 2016. www.skincancer.org

Reduce Your Risk Stay in the shade (especially midday) Wear clothing that covers your arms & legs Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your

face, head, ears, and neck Wear sunglasses that block UVA & UVB rays Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher that

blocs both UVA/UVB rays Avoid indoor tanningwww.cdc.gov

Screening Make an appointment with your family

doctor or a general practitioner if you notice any unusual skin changes that worry you.

In some cases, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases and conditions (dermatologist).

Take Aways Use preventative measures

Monitor your skin

Contact your provider if you have concerns