SKIN CANCER

Apr 29 2009

There are numerous forms of skin cancer but few are as feared as malignant melonoma, the incidence of which is rapidly increasing in Australia. While it is known to be linked to over-exposure to the sun’s damaging ultra-violet rays, particularly in the early years of life, there are probably other factors involved.

There is almost certainly a genetic predisposition in some families towards developing melanoma and studies are focusing on the genes likely to be responsible.

While fair skinned people of all races can develop melanoma, it is those of Celtic origin, with their fair, red-toned skin, red hair and blue eyes, who are particularly prone. The prevalence of this racial group in a hot, sun-loving country like Australia, may be one reason why our rate of melanoma is twice that of most other countries. This explanation alone, however, may not be sufficient. Nor does the widening hole in the ozone layer above

Australia explain everything. According to a survey conducted by The Age newspaper, the highest rates of melanoma are suffered, not in sunbaked Queensland, but in Victoria, one of the country’s colder states. There may be some truth in the theories linking our high rate of skin cancer with a deficiency of anti-oxidants such as selenium in our soils and diets. Through the chemical contamination and overprocessing of our food, we may be either ingesting substances which increase our sensitivity to light, or killing off substances which might have increased our protection such as Vitamin B6.

All this aside, sun exposure is certainly a trigger for skin cancers of all kinds and is one factor we can control. Do not trust too much to sunscreen preparations. Because they may encourage us to stay out in strong sunlight for extended periods of time without warning signals like sunburn, they may be dangerous in themselves. What is more, little is known about the risks associated with the absorption of these chemicals through the skin over a prolonged period of time. Many people already suffer from allergic reactions to ingredients in sunscreens.

Whenever possible, and it may not always be possible, do without the lotions, opting instead for a patch of shade, a large sunhat which protects both the face and the back of the neck and light, sun-protective clothing. Never sun-bake intentionally. If using sunscreens, the best protection is found in the opaque titanium dioxide or zinc oxide creams (such as the ubiquitous zinc cream). Because they block the sun on the surface of the skin, rather than being absorbed through the pores, allergic reactions to these creams are rare. Unfortunately, they are messy and their use is usually restricted to small exposed areas like the nose, cheeks and lips.

The good news about skin cancers is that they are easily detected early and if removed or burnt off the skin, may not cause further problems.

As with all forms of cancer, be vigilant. Inspect the surface of the skin regularly. If you have a family history of melanoma or have yourself been treated for skin cancer previously, such inspections should be even more frequent. When examining the skin yourself, make sure somebody else looks at the danger zone on the shoulders, back and back of the neck. Any change in the size or colour of moles, new growths or sores which are slow to heal should be shown to a doctor immediately. Waste no time. More often than not, there will be no serious cause for concern, but if melanoma is present, early detection and swift action are crucial to stop the spread of the cancer through the body.

If cancer is diagnosed, refer to the discussion of cancer treatments in this book.