C.A.P.E. - (CANCER AWARENESS PREVENTION EDUCATION)

While chapters may choose to run fundraising projects for the various cancer related charities, Relay for Life, 3 Day, Race for a Cure, etc, I would like the focus of this program to be providing our members and their families with vital information on the various cancers that are prominent in the Jaycee age group (21-40). Early detection is the key to survival. 

One of those cancers that we would like to provide education on is SKIN CANCER.

How many people are affected by skin cancer? Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 54,200 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2003.

Who survives skin cancer? For basal cell or squamous cell cancers, a cure is highly likely if detected and treated early. Melanoma, even though it can spread to other body parts quickly, is also highly curable if detected early and treated properly. The five-year relative survival rate for patients with melanoma is 89%. For localized melanoma, the five-year survival rate is 96%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 60% and 14% respectively. About 82% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage.

How many people will die from skin cancer? The American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 9,600 deaths from skin cancer in 2002 – 7,400 from melanoma and 2,200 from other skin cancers.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer? Risk factors for nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

• Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Fair complexion
• Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium
• Family history
• Multiple or atypical moles
• Severe sunburns as a child

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

• Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule
• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented? The best ways to lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time, and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time.

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Slip on a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.
• Slap on a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.