Now that the longer, sunnier days of summer mean more fun outdoors, Sun Citians need to become even more vigilant in the care of their skin, our body’s largest organ (20 square feet in area). As seniors, we are at high risk for developing skin cancer on our aged skin’s outer covering of three layers, the epidermis. In fact, over 50% of deaths associated with skin cancer occur in people over the age of 65. Here are some more very disturbing facts on the disease. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed yearly among a skin-patient population of over 2 million people. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon. Over the past 3 decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers increased by nearly 77% between 1992 and 2006. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is increasing in all races. Even the young can develop the very serious melanoma, though people over the age of 70, especially men, account for 70% of skin cancer’s deaths. Many of the skin cancers here are found on the men’s unprotected scalps.
Perhaps, these incredible facts stem from our generation (myself included) having glorified sunbathing as youths, believing that its ensuing tan made us look “healthier.” Some of us continued the dangerous tanning practice as we grew older, especially when we visited warmer climates in the winter, allowing our tans to let everyone know that we had escaped the gloom and harshness of local winter temps. The American Academy of Dermatology informs us, “Often mistaken as a sign of good health, a tan actually means the skin has been injured. A tan develops when the skin tries to protect itself from exposure to UVA [Ultraviolet A] rays by producing more melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Indoor tanning is definitely not a safe alternative. Most tanning salons use UVA bulbs to cause tanning.” The A.A.D. adds, “UVA rays [that penetrate the skin deeply] contribute not only to tanning but can cause premature wrinkling and skin cancer.”
These UVA rays can travel through glass. Because ultraviolet light can cause age-related macular degeneration in frequently exposed eyes, it is important to wear UV Resistant glasses for eye protection. The A.A.D. continues by telling us that UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays, known as the “burning rays,” which cause sunburns, are equally destructive to the skin.
Did you know that daily exposure to the sun, the number-one risk factor for skin cancer, can even occur while you are walking outdoors or driving your car, or sitting by an open window? It can account for up to 80% of your lifetime sun exposure. Some other sun factors to be considered, according to Eucerin, the skin lotion company, are the following: “70% to 80% of UV rays travel through clouds; Sun reflects off snow, ice, sand, and water, intensifying the UV rays by up to 80%; Unprotected skin can be damaged by UV rays in as little as 15 minutes; Even if your skin is naturally dark, you still need sun protection.” The skin cream company offers, “Sun damage occurs over the course of a lifetime. Most of the damage we associate with premature aging of the skin – wrinkles, sagging, leathering, discoloration, and age spots – is related to UV radiation.”
These skin problems also make abnormal cancerous lesions difficult to detect among the elderly. It is no wonder that skin doctors, known as dermatologists, have offices fully occupied daily by seniors waiting for pre-cancerous and cancerous exams/treatments.
While people of all ages and races can get skin cancer, many years of unprotected and prolonged sun exposure/ultraviolet radiation that produces aged skin is a top risk factor for the disease. Other increased risk factors are:
1. Light skinned individuals with light-colored eyes who sun burn easily – one or more severe sunburns in childhood or 5 or more sunburns at any age – can more than double the risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma, perhaps even years later;
2. Family and/or previous personal history of skin cancer;
3. Exposure to x-rays;
4. Weakened immune system – Autumn Green, Physician Assistant, at Altman Dermatology Associates, Arlington Heights, informs us, “…those with weakened immune systems due to medication [for example: patients with history of organ transplant] are at higher risk ….;”
5. Scarring caused by a disease or a burn;
6. Exposure to cancer-causing compounds such as arsenic;
7. The use of sunlamps and tanning beds.
On Sunday, June 8, the Chicago Cubs Baseball Team chose the Wrigley Field theme of Sun Safety Day with a Stage 4 Melanoma Skin Cancer survivor throwing out the first pitch. Knowing that 50% of adults ages 18 to 29 have had sunburn in the last year and that 80% of skin damage is done by the age of 18, the theme was warranted.
In Part 2, I will discuss the three major forms of skin cancer, three testimonials from Sun City residents on how they are preventing further skin cancers from occurring, and on-going research.
