As spring rapidly gives way to summer, Rhode Islanders are spending more time out of doors: in their gardens, on their boats, on the golf course and at the beach. This is the time when the opportunity for considerable sun exposure is great, even when you may not be aware of it – just walking to your car at the mall, for instance. This is the time to remember to put on sunscreen, cover up, wear a hat. Exposure to the sun is dangerous because of the ultraviolet rays which cause damage to the skin cells resulting from sunburn. Almost of this damage will be repaired, but a small amount remains and the accumulation of this non-repaired damage over the years results in skin cancer.

There are three skin cancers caused by sun damage. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are the most common and are the most likely to be cured by simple surgical excision. Since the skin is on the surface of the body, you should be able to find changes when still very small, but which is over 95% curable. When basal cell carcinoma is ignored and neglected, it can become a very messy tumor called a "rodent ulcer." The tumor then grows locally and destroys the tissue and forms a big hole which can extend through the bones of the skull or the face. The tumor will continue to grow inside. It is hard to believe that some people can continue to ignore a large rodent ulcer on the face.

Another form of skin cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma and this is more dangerous than the basal cell carcinoma in that, even when it is still quite small, it can spread to lymph nodes and can be a fatal disease in up to 10 to 15% of all cases. Again, this is a surface tumor which can be detected by having regular checkups of your skin by your health care professional.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. This form of skin cancer grows from a small pigmented, freckle like lesion on the skin. If a freckle changes color or has more than one color in it, if it has an irregular edge, and if it grows, it should be shown immediately to your health care provider. Melanomas that are detected and treated early are very curable; however, when they get to be half the size of your thumbnail, they can be very deadly indeed. These lesions require very careful surgical excision and possibly sampling of lymph nodes to be sure that it hasn't already spread. Rhode Island has a very bad experience with melanoma with death rates much higher than the national average.

Skin cancer is a preventable disease. Remember your SUNBLOCK before you go out. Remember to wear a HAT and remember to COVER UP so that we can make skin cancer history.

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at Tel@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

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