May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month
April 25, 2023
Along with welcoming warmer temperatures and sunny days to our Central Florida communities, the month of May is nationally recognized as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the National Institutes of Health, skin cancer is now the most common type of cancer in the United States with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. Although highly treatable, if skin cancer is not diagnosed early and properly managed by a healthcare professional, it is potentially a deadly disease.
Since skin cancer affects thousands in our Central Florida communities each year, Dr. Michael Steppie, Mohs cancer surgeon and President of Associates in Dermatology, wants to remind everyone of the clinical and cosmetic services provided at our seventeen locations.
Largely Preventable & Curable
Learning more about skincare routines that protect against potential sun damage is a prudent way to prevent future problems and help identify issues early on when the disease is most curable. As May edges closer, it's an important time for members of each community to share his or her knowledge about preventive steps, such as the daily use of sunscreen, limiting outdoor sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm), and wearing protective clothing outdoors.
“As the most common type of cancer, it is important that we take steps to recognize the risk factors for skin cancer and adopt protective measures to prevent advancement of the disease” says Michael Steppie, M.D. “Using sunscreen anytime you go outside and avoiding harmful UV rays from secondary sources can help to keep members of your community safe in the Florida Sun.”
Skin Cancer awareness month is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and educate the public about proven ways to help prevent skin cancer. With that said, skin cancer awareness actually starts with you. Since 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, the Skin Cancer Foundation* offers a social media toolkit (year round) at #SharetheFacts with downloadable graphics and resources to educate others and help save lives.
A few words about Hugh Jackman...
In an April 3rd post on Instagram, actor and skin cancer survivor Hugh Jackman shared that he had a skin check with two biopsies that tested suspect lesions for possible skin cancer. Having previously had basal cell carcinomas removed from his nose, the star of Wolverine, X-Men and The Music Man has been an vocal advocate in encouraging his fans to help prevent skin cancer by taking daily precautions, such as wearing sunscreen when outdoors. Three days later, while still wearing a small bandage on his nose, Jackman happily announced his biopsies came back negative this time.
*NOTE: Over its 40 years of serving public education, the Skin Cancer Foundation has become the leading digital resource for skin cancer education in the world with over 9 million visitors a year to its website and social media platforms.
Most Common Types of Skin Cancer
Most cases of cancer develop on skin that is routinely exposed to the sun, but skin cancer can also occur on areas of the body that are not typically exposed to sunlight. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun (or tanning beds) is the leading cause of skin cancer. Prolonged or frequent exposure to UVB or UVA radiation can cause mutations in the DNA of skin cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancerous tumors.
Early detection of skin cancer results in the most successful treatment outcomes. To detect skin cancer at an early stage, you should regularly check your skin for any changes, such as new moles, lesions, or changes in color, size or shape of existing moles or lesions. If you notice any suspicious changes, you should immediately consult a dermatologist for a professional assessment. There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and typically appears as a small, shiny bump or growth on the skin that may bleed or develop a crust. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common than basal cell carcinoma, but still occurs frequently. It usually presents itself as a red, scaly patch or sore that does not heal. Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous. It often appears as a new or changing mole on the skin but can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
What You Should Look For...
Skin cancer can be a disturbing diagnosis, but early detection is key in successfully treating it. Therefore, it is important to know what to look for, specifically what is referred to as the ABCDEs of melanoma. This acronym stands for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter greater than six millimeters, and evolution. Any new or changing moles should be evaluated based on these criteria, as they could be indicative of melanoma.
Asymmetry refers to a mole that is not evenly shaped, meaning if one were to draw a line through the middle of the mole, the two halves would not match. Irregular borders mean that the edges of the mole are not smooth, but rather are jagged or blurry. Color variation refers to moles that have multiple colors, such as brown, black, red, or white. A diameter greater than six millimeters, or the size of a pencil eraser, indicates that the mole is potentially cancerous. Lastly, evolution means that any changes in a mole's appearance, including itching or bleeding, should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
It is important to note that not all moles that exhibit these characteristics are melanoma, or even cancerous, but they should be evaluated to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Aside from checking for the ABCDEs of melanoma, it is also important to monitor any lesions that do not heal or that bleed and scab over for a period of four weeks or more. These symptoms could also be indicative of skin cancer and should be monitored a team of dermatology providers. Early detection and treatment can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment and full recovery from skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer Treatments
There are various methods of treating skin cancer. Mohs micrographic surgery, excision, curettage and electrodesiccation, radiation therapy, and cryosurgery are among the most common treatments used by medical professionals.
1) Mohs surgery –Considered the Gold Standard for treating many skin cancers, the affected tissue is removed with the highest level of accuracy by a certified Mohs micrographic surgeon. Generally used to remove skin cancers on the head and neck areas, each layer is removed and checked under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. The process is repeated until no cancerous cells are microscopically visible.
2) Excision – For patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas, a qualified provider performs an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic. With simple excision, the cancerous tissue is removed, a bandage applied and there is little to no downtime.
3) Curettage and electrodesiccation – Involves the removal of cancerous tissue using a curette or surgical spoon. After the cancerous tissue is removed, an electrode is used to cauterize the area. This method is particularly effective for treating superficial, non-melanoma types of skin cancer.
4) Cryosurgery – Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy cancerous tissue. Frozen tissue eventually dies and is replaced with healthy skin. This method is highly effective for treating small, early-stage skin cancers as well as a routine protocol for removing precancers like actinic keratosis.
5) Radiation Therapy – In cases where the cancer covers a large area or is on an area of the skin that makes it difficult to surgically remove, radiation therapy is a proven treatment option for removing non-melanoma skin cancer, including both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Since some form of surgery is the primary treatment protocol for most skin cancers, coping with a skin cancer diagnosis can be difficult for some patients. But help and support are readily available. Never hesitate to ask your doctor, physician assistant, or skilled nurse practitioner to explain things again if you need them to.
Not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer
“Skin cancer is a common but serious disease that can be prevented by taking precautions to limit sun exposure. Early detection comes from regular self-examination of your skin” Dr. Steppie adds. “It is also important to seek prompt medical attention for any suspicious skin changes, as early detection is key to achieving the best treatment outcomes.” Dermatologist agree that by staying vigilant and taking care of your skin, hair and nails you can reduce your risk of skin cancer as well as encourage others in your circle to maintain good skin health.
Destination Healthy Skin is The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile skin cancer screening and education program that annually brings private exams rooms via an RV directly to communities with volunteer dermatologists who perform FREE, full body skin exams. This summer Dr. Steppie and his team of providers will again be performing free skin screenings. There is no appointment needed at the Destination Healthy Skin’s convenient mobile screening facility. In addition to the peace of mind of having an annual skin check, other benefits include free skin cancer educational materials and free sun protection products.
The sun emits energy in different ways. Visible light that you can see. Infrared radiation that you feel as heat. But, the UV rays that you can’t see are a primary cause of skin damage. Keeping a close eye on your skin can provide peace of mind and improves your chance for successful treatment if needed. Most importantly the daily use of sunscreen and other forms of UV protection can reduce your risks of developing precancers or skin cancer. If you have a concern about anything to do with your skin, hair or nails, a dermatologist can investigate the changes to determine the cause and provide you with treatment options.
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Overall it is crucial to regularly check for changes in moles, nails or skin lesions and to seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms are present. To schedule your next skin check, call 800-877-7546 or use this website’s convenient Contact Us form to schedule your appointment online at one of our dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Lake Wales, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
