Skin Cancer

The lure of the outdoors is here for almost everyone. Working in the yard, going to parks with grand kids, sports and barbecues are just a few activities most seniors are planning over the next several months.

But spending time in the sun can be a costly adventure for seniors. With age, the skin is more susceptible to damage and cancers of the skin rank number 1 as the most common form of cancer.
Estimates are that over 1 million new cases will be diagnosed this year alone and the annual frequency of skin cancer is increasing indicating we either haven’t learned how to manage in the sun or we tend to ignore the warnings. Take heed…if you live to reach the ripe age of 65, almost 50% will confront skin cancer at least one time.

As you enjoy the summer months, don’t ignore your skin. The most common warning is a change in the appearance of your skin. This can mean an unusual growth or even a sore that doesn’t seem to heal.

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, you are likely to hear one of three conditions…

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (Least dangerous)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma (Most Dangerous)

The Basal Cell and Squamous Cell cancers are the most common and least dangerous because they do not tend to spread throughout the body as quickly as the Melanoma.

More than 90% of all skin cancer is the Basal Cell variety. And fortunately this form almost never spreads within the body but they can cause damage to surrounding tissue as they grow.

Seniors with light colored skin and too much sun exposure face the highest risk of this type of cancer.

The most important area of the body to care for is the face since roughly 80% of the cases appear there so take active precautions to wear sunscreen every day even when you think it isn’t necessary.

For seniors, a weakened immune system from disease, prescribed medication or diet can also increase the risk of Basal Cell cancer.

Skin cancer, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun, so if you live in areas of the country that have high exposure to the sun such as Texas, you must take extra precautions to protect yourself during the intense summer months.

Damaged skin caused by the sun usually begins at an early age but doesn’t often appear until a person is over 50 years of age. So begin early and warn your children and grand children of the risks.

For the vain seniors still among us, the pursuit of a beautiful tan by using a tanning booth is among the most dangerous forms of UV exposure to people and should be avoided.

As you examine your face and body, pay attention to any small, dome-shaped bump that is often covered by a superficial blood vessel. They may appear to have a luster or even be translucent.

Also, pay attention if you observe patches of raw or dry skin. And don’t assume you are seeing some type of a mole because even medical professionals struggle to tell the difference between a Basal Cell cancer and a benign growth.

In summary, what should you do?

• Limit your exposure to the sun
• Stay indoors during the peak times of the day
• Wear hats and protective clothing
• Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen preferably water proof
• Get regular check-ups and
• Don’t use tanning beds

_________________________________________________________
About The Author:

Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org