For skin cancer, the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States, Kentucky has one of the highest rates in the nation.
With 28.2 cases per 100,000 people per year, Kentucky has a higher rate of skin cancer than Texas, California, Arizona or even sunny Florida, according to the National Cancer Institute.
These countries have one advantage: their population is more diverse.
"We have a lot of white people," said the doctor. John AD Orasio, an oncologist and cancer researcher at the University of Kentucky Health. Dorazio added that other factors include Kentucky's remote population.
While it's true that people with inflamed skin are more likely to get skin cancer, it's important to note that anyone can develop it, and studies show that one in five people in the United States will develop it over the age of 70.
In fact, more than two people die from skin cancer every hour in the United States, and five or more sunburns in a lifetime doubles the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Here's a look at the most common types of skin cancer and how to tell if they're cancerous.
How does skin cancer develop?
The Skin Cancer Foundation defines the disease as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.
Unrepaired DNA damaged by UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes mutations, and it is these mutations that cause the affected skin cells to multiply rapidly and form polyps or tumors.
What are the most common types of skin cancer?
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) most commonly occurs on exposed areas of skin, such as the face, ears, neck, and scalp. It is the most common type of skin cancer, with millions of people diagnosed each year. Fortunately, it rarely leads to death.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is also common where there is a lot of sunlight: on the tip of the ear or on the hands, among others. It is the second most common type of skin cancer and can spread quickly if not detected and treated early.
Skin cancer is the most dangerous of the three types. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that there will be more than 186,000 new cases in 2023 alone. More than 97,000 of those cases are expected to be invasive, and about 8,000 people are expected to die from skin cancer this year. Fortunately, skin cancer can be treated if caught early.
What do you look for in a skin exam?
Skin cancer can look different on different skin types.
For example, skin cancer in blacks often goes undiagnosed, at a more advanced and potentially fatal stage. That's why black people are more likely to die from skin cancer, even though they develop it less often, research shows.
Dark-skinned people tend to develop melanoma, which has a darker, less pearly appearance, while more serious skin cancers develop in places not exposed to the sun: the eyes, mouth, genitals, under the nails and even the soles of the feet. your feet between the toes.
In general, the most common symptom of skin cancer is a change in the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Common symptoms to look out for include:
A new mole that changes size, shape, or color, or that bleeds.
A pearly or waxy mass on the face, ears or neck
A flat spot of pink, red or brown color
Areas of skin that look like wounds
Ulcers that look pale, have a hole in the middle, or bleed frequently
A wound or ulcer that does not heal or does not heal but comes back
A rough or scaly lesion that may itch, bleed, and crust over
Consider the "ABCDE rule" when checking your skin. a - asymmetry, b - blurred edges, c - a colorless birthmark, d - a lesion of a large diameter, the development of f - a change in shape, size or color - the most important sign.
What you need to know about skin cancer prevention
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, British oncologist Orazio's personal strategy is to start with sun-protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses and long sleeves, and then look for sunscreen.
When it comes to using sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sun protection factor (or SPF) of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun's UV rays.
Limiting sun exposure during peak UV rays is also recommended. According to the American Cancer Society, those hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It doesn't even have to be sunny. Believe it or not, sunburn is still possible on cloudy days.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you should check your skin regularly. To do this, use the advice of the American Academy of Dermatology:
Examine your body in a full-length mirror in good lighting. Look at yourself from front to back, then raise your hands and look left and right.
Look at the armpits and sleeves. Also your nails and palms.
Look at your feet, between your toes, under your nails, and under your feet.
Take a hand mirror and use it to check your neck, head, back and hips.
Do this at least once a month.
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