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10 | THE COLONY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | kin cancer risk might seem like a concern only for young sunbathers; however, older adults are the most likely age group to develop, and die of, skin cancer. This includes melanoma, which can be deadly if not caught early. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and rates of melanoma have more than doubled in the last two decades. A Mayo Clinic study found that in men and women age 61 and older, melanoma rates have been increasing at much faster rates in recent years. This isn't a reason to avoid going outdoors, but it's important to be sun smart and to take precautions against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Three common types of skin cancer are: • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – This is the most common type. It may appear as a pearly or waxy bump, or as a flat, flesh-colored, scar-like spot. It affects mainly sun- exposed areas and is highly curable when caught early. • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – This common type of skin cancer may appear as a firm, red nodule or as a flat spot with a scaly, crusted surface. It primarily affects sun- exposed areas and usually can be easily cured. However, a small percentage of these cancers can be very aggressive, especially in people who have weakened immune systems. • Melanoma – While not as prevalent as BCC or SCC, melanoma is the most deadly of these three skin cancers. Melanoma develops in the types of cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin – the pigment that gives your skin its color. It is often associated with abnormal or changing moles and other dark spots. It can affect sun-exposed skin, but can also occur on skin that hasn't been exposed to the sun. How to spot problems: • Perform regular skin self-exams and check yourself from head to toe, using mirrors for places you can't easily see. Pay special attention to areas frequently exposed to the sun, which include your neck, ears and scalp. • Check for any new moles or discolored patches, and for existing moles that have changed in size, shape or color. See your doctor if any changes to your skin worry you. Skin protection tips – To protect your skin from harmful UV radiation, do the following: • Avoid midday sun – In North America, the sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, even in winter or when the sky is cloudy. • Wear sunscreen year-round – They don't filter out all the harmful UV rays, but they do play a major role in overall sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Apply generously, and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Do not forget your lips, the tips of your ears and the backs of your hands and neck. • Wear protective clothing – Sunscreens don't provide complete protection from UV rays, so wear dark, tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and don't forget sunglasses. Look for those that block both UVA and UVB rays. • Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications - Some common prescription and nonprescription drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, especially hydrochlorothiazide, a drug commonly use to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention (edema)in people with heart disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any drugs you take. If any increase sensitivity to sunlight, take extra care to protect your skin. ~ Mayo Clinic Health Letter, June 2020 SKIN CANCER: A growing, preventable problem S HOA NEWS