| Skin
Cancer
Early detection is important
Marie Berry, Pharmacist, Vimy Park Pharmacy, Winnipeg
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that, while rarely
malignant, represents more than 75% of all skin tumours. Ultraviolet
(UV) sun exposure and specifically exposure to UVB radiation,
is the cause of the majority of basal cell carcinomas - something
that is avoidable.
The outermost layer of skin, or epidermis, has basal cells at
its base. These basal cells produce the cells that make up the
epidermis including the squamous cells. UV radiation initiates
changes in skin cells that produce a lesion known as solar keratosis.
Solar keratoses are considered the precursors of the various
types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and the more
often malignant squamous cell carcinoma.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure,
especially during the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when sunrays
are the most intense. Fair-skinned Caucasians, older people,
and those with a family history of skin cancer are particularly
at risk for the adverse effects of sun exposure. the time between
the UV exposure and the onset of basal cell carcinoma can be
decades. therefore, if you are a member of a high-risk group,
you will want to protect your skin from the sun starting early
in life and continuing throughout your lifetime.
Sun protection is paramount. Use a sunscreen with at least a
sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 and that protects against both
UVA and UVB radiation. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors,
especially after swimming or sweating heavily. Always wear a
hat and a long-sleeved garment. A severe sunburn increases the
risk for basal cell carcinoma. People with outdoor occupation,
such as farmers, need to be conscientious about sun protection.
If you do have one or more risk factors for basal cell carcinoma,
it is recommended that you perform a skin inspection once a month.
Lesions may occur at sites where there has been trauma, scarring,
exposure to a toxic substance such as arsenic, and even a viral
infection. Most often basal cell carcinoma occur as as a single
lesion on hair-bearing skin (the neck, head, or forearm) that
has been exposed to UV radiation.
Therapy for basal cell carcinoma depends upon the extent, site,
and size of the lesion, but the larger the lesion the more difficult
it is to treat. surgical removal and cryotherapy, or "freezing",
are the usual approaches. Your best bet, however, is to avoid
therapy and protect yourself from the sun.
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Early detection of skin cancer is important since early detection
translates into a 90% cure rate. Skin inspection is key. Look
at all of your skin and use a mirror for difficult-to-see areas
such as your back. You are looking for the A,B,C,D's of the disease:
A - Asymmetrical lesions (one half is unlike the other half).
B - Borders that are irregular.
C - Colouring that varies from one area to another (tan, brown,
black).
D - Diameter larger than 6 millimetres (about
the size of a pencil eraser).
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The information in this newsletter was prepared and reviewed
by pharmacists for the Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal.
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Ask Your Pharmacist newsletter is produced through
an unconditional educational grant from APOTEX/PACE. |
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