What you need to know to prevent Skin Cancer
By, Jennifer Giffune, R.D.,L.D.N.
At 19, Heather Riggenbach thought she had landed her dream job working at a tanning salon. Not only was she getting good pay and hours, but also she could use the tanning beds whenever she wanted. And she wanted to be tan, just like many girls her age. Heather worked and tanned at the salon for a year. Also, during her summers, Heather wore SPF 15 sunscreen, but only on her face. At 24, Heather had a new mole appear on her abdomen. She chose to ignore this red flag until it started to bleed 6 months later. The diagnosis of Melanoma took 5 days sink in. Melanoma is a common but very serious type of skin cancer that, if left untreated, is fatal, according to The Melanoma Education Foundation (MEF).
“I’ve had 5 surgeries altogether in 2 years. I also attempted Immune therapy with Interferon. I was only able to tolerate 3 ½ weeks of it until I had to call it quits.” Heather states. At 26, she can be found most days at Baystate Medical Center, participating in a Clinical Trial. Heather hopes that this experimental treatment will work, especially because her Melanoma has spread to her lungs and she is now classified as Metastatic Stage 4 Melanoma.
Jennifer Giffune, R.D., L.D.N. is a freelance author, professional speaker and nutrition counselor.
Heather is not alone. Actually, the rate of Melanoma is increasing at epidemic levels according to the MEF, estimates of Melanoma in the United States this year range from 76,100 people (The American Cancer Society or ACS) to over 139,000 (MEF). Every hour, one person dies from Melanoma – a sad statistic from the MEF. Even more shocking is that fact that although overall cancer rates have declined since 1998, Melanoma is on the rise, according to The National Cancer Institute. The ACS adds that typically, as you get older, your risk for Melanoma increases. However, it is not uncommon to see a Melanoma diagnosis in younger people.
It happened with Heather, and also with Brandon Ruggieri. He was not into tanning. As a matter of fact, he is fair skinned and makes a conscious effort to use sunscreen regularly. He was a happily married 31 year old man 9 years ago, with a law practice, wife and two children (2 years old, and 6 months) when he found a marble size lump on the outside of his knee. He didn’t wait too long to see his PCP, who felt that it wasn’t something to be too concerned about. So, Brandon went about his life as usual until 3-4 months later when he found another lump inside his thigh. At that time, both lumps were biopsied just to “be on the safe side”. His PCP took 10 days to get back to Brandon, because he was surprised by the findings. The PCP actually sent the biopsies to multiple sites for confirmation, but in the end, the results came back positive for Melanoma.
“That first car ride down to the Oncologist, to find out what stage Melanoma I was in and the treatment possibilities was the single most outrageously stressful day of my life.” Brandon states. Just like Heather, he found himself having multiple surgeries, resulting in the removal of 18 lymph nodes. Next, he endured 5 weeks of radiation followed by a year of Interferon treatments. “I felt like absolute garbage for the whole year.” Brandon states. He adds “I didn’t’ realize how awful I felt. It was simply the new normal.”
Although we hear a lot about breast, prostrate, and colon cancers, it is actually skin cancer that is most commonly diagnosed. Of those skin cancers, only 2% are actually Melanoma. However, most deaths from skin cancer are due to Melanoma. Meaning it is vital to learn as much as you can about Melanoma, because it can be prevented in many cases. If actually diagnosed, early intervention is key.
What puts you at risk you ask? According to the ACS, Melanoma is 20 times more common in whites than in African Americans. Additionally, your risk for developing Melanoma increases with:
- Sunshine (Ultraviolet Rays- both UV-A & UV-B)
- Tanning lamps/beds ((Ultraviolet Rays- both UV-A & UV-B)
- Moles (more moles, greater risk)
- Fair Skin
- Freckling
- Light hair (blond or red)
- Blue or Green eye color
- Family History
- Personal History of Melanoma already
- Compromised Immune System
- Older age
- Gender (Under 40 years old, women have a greater risk; over 40 men have a greater risk)
Obviously, you can’t stop aging or change your family tree. But many risk factors can be addressed, by makingpermanent lifestyle changes. ACS has a campaign called “Slip! Slop! Slap! ®…and wrap” which stands for :
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on Sunglasses
Whenever possible, limit your time in the sun when the UV rays are strongest (10am- 4pm). The ACS warns that UV rays can penetrate clouds and water and can be reflected off water, sand, concrete and snow.The Skin Cancer Foundation adds that UV rays can also penetrate fog and glass/windows (e.g. office buildings, cars, trains, buses, etc.). The ACS also reminds people that UV rays can impact your skin in winter and cold weather as well as when you lay on a towel at the beach during the summer. So, be prepared to protect your skin whenever and wherever you are exposed.
Heather hopes to encourage people to “embrace your paleness” and give up tanning beds. Those desperate for darker skin may want to consider sunless tanning lotions with the ingredient, DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). When DHA and skin proteins are mixed together, the skin turns a darker shade. Unfortunately, the skin may turn slightly orange. DHA is promoted as a “spray on tan”, often offered by tanning salons. DHA is not healthy to breath in, nor is it meant to be put in the mouth, eyes or nose. It is important to protect those areas from DHA.
Obviously, you have no control of the development of moles. However, you can be aware of where you have moles, and knowthe shape and color of them. In cases in which you have many moles, a dermatologist can measure and photograph moles and do annual comparisons.
Additionally, you can do your own skin exams regularly. Be on the alert and contact your PCP, dermatologist and/or oncologist if you have any changes on your skin such as:
- new growths, spots
- a cut that isn’t healing
- changes of skin color around a spot/growth
- redness spreading out from a spot/growth
- an itchy or painful spot
- mole/spot/growth changes (especially bleeding, roughness, scaly-feel, oozing, spreading of spots/growths)
Brandon is diligent about being aware of his skin, and seeing his oncologist regularly. When asked how he feels now, 9 years after diagnosis, Brandon states “I feel great. Knock on wood I’ve never had an issue since then.” He adds that he is looking forward to next year because making it to 10 years is a real landmark. “The key to Melanoma is in the preventive steps you can take.” says Brandon. He urges people to “Be smart. Be aware.” If you find something (such as a mole changing or a lump), he emphasizes that you shouldn’t “Put it off and say it’s no big deal”. Because it just may be.
You can learn more about Melanoma, by contacting The American Cancer Society (Cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345) or The Melanoma Education Foundation (skincheck.org or call 978-535-3080).
Jennifer Giffune, R.D., L.D.N. is a freelance author, professional speaker and nutrition counselor. On the last Wednesday of each month, Jennifer can be heard on 89.5 WSKB radio on the “Wake up Wednesday Morning” Show. To make an appointment with Jennifer at Mercy Medical Group, call 786-1500.
