Skin cancer can be deadly

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in this country and left undetected and untreated can be deadly. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. We should all be aware of the effects of continued exposure to the sun, particularly here in Placer County. It was recently reported that Placer County is among the top five counites in California for melanoma rates. To address this concern, Placer County launched a new Cancer Prevention Program. Details of the program can be found on the county's website. And here we are in the middle of the summer with many more days of sunshine ahead. Placer County is a great place to enjoy outdoor sports from swimming and hiking to boating and team sports. We live and recreate in an outdoor paradise. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 20 Americans die each day from melanoma. Unfortunately, skin cancer rates are on the rise in all ages from children to seniors. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Statistics indicate more than 8,000 Americans will die this year from skin cancer and well more than 100,000 of us will develop melanoma annually. Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. I know skin cancer. During the last 20 years, I have had every form of skin cancer from actinic keratoses to the deadliest and potentially disfiguring melanoma. I have undergone nine surgeries for skin cancer. I see my dermatologist at least twice a year and more frequently after undergoing surgeries. Skin is our largest organ of our bodies, and it is our responsibility to keep it healthy. Early detection and treatment are imperative. It is important that you consult with a dermatologist and learn what the different types of skin cancers look like and the available treatments. Although I am no expert about skin cancers, here is some basic information I have learned over the years: Actinic keratoses is one of the earliest stages of skin cancer and is commonly treated with a topical medicine or frozen using liquid nitrogen. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell, which left untreated can spread to surrounding tissue and possibly your lymph nodes. Treatment is based upon the individual in consultation with a dermatologist. Melanoma is the deadliest and, in my cases, all six were surgically removed. One surgery required a skin graft and another left a large scar on my scalp. Left untreated, melanoma, which grows inward, can reach a blood vessel and spread to other organs. Treatments vary case by case and can include everything from topical creams to surgery. I have also undergone photodynamic therapy (PDT) for skin cancers other than melanoma. My simplistic explanation of PDT involves sitting in front of a blue light with protective eyewear for the time prescribed by my dermatologist. For me, PDT was the preferred option to topical creams. Please consult your dermatologist about the advantages and disadvantages to PDT. It is not for everyone. Another treatment is known as "Mohs" surgery. In the 1930s, Doctor Frederic Mohs developed an outpatient surgery where the cancerous tumor and thin layers of skin around the tumor are removed and examined while the patient waits for the results. This procedure is repeated until all the cancer cells are removed. I have had six Mohs surgeries, each lasting from two to five hours. Mohs surgery has proven to be a very successful surgical treatment for removing skin cancers. There are several common-sense practices for protecting yourself from skin cancer, including wearing a recommended sunscreen and applying frequently, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, covering up from the sun, educating yourself about what the different skin cancers look like, regular self-examinations and a consultation with a dermatologist. But also keep in mind that skin cancers can appear in areas of your skin not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not let yourself or your loved ones fall victim to skin cancer. Take responsibility for your health and the health of your loved ones. Be proactive. Enjoy the summer.