The skinny on skin cancer and tanning Published Aug. 9, 2007 By David Hey, Ph.D. 319th Aeromedical and Dental Squadron GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D -- Healthcare professionals in the United States continue to warn people about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from artificial tanning booths and the sun, yet it's arguable if that message has been effective. For both men and women in the U.S., the risk of developing skin cancer (non-melanoma) is a distinct possibility which presents problems because people, particularly young people, want the bronzed body. But did you know that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers for men and women in the U.S.? Sadly, it is. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States with more than a million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers leading the way (see chart below). It is important to point out that the actual numbers of non-melanoma skin cancer cases may be significantly higher since not all out-patient office procedures are registered with the National Cancer Registry. Estimated new cases of cancer: (men and women, 2006) Men Other sites 720,000 N/A Prostate 234,460 33% Lung 92,700 13% Colorectal 72,800 10% Urinary 44,690 6% Melanoma 34,260 5% Women Other sites 680,000 N/A Breast 212,920 31% Lung 81,770 12% Colorectal 75,810 11% Uterus 29,890 6% N.H. Lymph. 28,190 4% Melanoma 27,930 4% Sources: American Cancer Society, U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, 2006. The American Cancer Society estimates that roughly 62,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2006-2007. Although melanoma accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer, it is far more dangerous than other skin cancers. The key to survival is early detection. Quick view of the current skin cancer statistics in the U.S. - Non-melanoma skin cancer is on the rise, when an estimated 1 million cases in the U.S. each year. - Basal cell carcinomas make up 90 percent of all skin cancers in the U.S. are - Basal cells grow slowly and rarely spread to other areas of the body. - Basal cells are normally found on the head, face, neck, hands and arms, but could be located anywhere on the body. - Squamous cells rarely spread but are more likely to do so than basal cells. - Despite a fatality rate of less than 1 percent, these cancers should be treated since they have the potential to invade and destroy nearby tissue. - Researchers estimate that 40 to 50 percent of people in the United States who live to age 65 will have non-melanoma skin cancer at least once (National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov, 2007). - The risk is highest for fair-skinned people with red or blond hair and light-colored eyes. Who is at greatest risk in the sun? People with skin types I and II are at greatest risk. Which skin type are you? Type According to Skin Type I Always burns; never tans; sensitive II Burns easily; tans minimally III Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brown (average caucasian) IV Burns minimally; always tans well to moderately brown (olive skin) V Rarely burns; tans profusely to dark (brown skin) VI Never burns; deeply pigmented, not sensitive (black skin) What do medical professionals say about tanning? The American Medical Association has warned people for many years about the dangers of tanning. In fact, the AMA has urged action that would ban the sale and use of tanning equipment for non-¬medical purposes. Doctors and public health officials have recommended the following steps to minimize the sun's damage: - Avoid using tanning parlors and sun lamps. - Plan your outdoor activities to avoid the sun's strongest rays. As a general rule, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Wear protective covering, such as broad-¬brimmed hats, long pants and long¬-sleeved shirts to reduce exposure. - Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection. - Always wear a broad¬ spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor 15 or more that will block both UVA and UVB when outdoors, and reapply it according to the manufacturer's directions. See your primary care manager if you have additional questions.