Cape May County Department of Health
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, the size and place of the tumor, and your general health and medical history. In most cases, the goal of treatment is to Skin cancer is the most common form of remove or destroy the cancer completely. Most cancer in the United States skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early. In NJ, Cape May County has the highest
*See your doctor if you notice any changes on incidence of melanoma in men and the 2nd your skin, such as new moles, growth of highest incidence of melanoma in women pre-existing moles, sores, or skin discoloration. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
Examine your skin from head to toe each month, Getting one sunburn doubles your chances of and have a an annual physical getting melanoma
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation, 2013
CAPE MAY COUNTY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH 6 Moore Road Examine body Bend elbows, Look at backs of Cape May Court House, N.J. 08210 1 front and back in 2 look carefully at 3 legs and feet, mirror, then right forearms, back spaces between (609) 465-1187 and left sides, of upper arms, toes, and soles. www.cmchealth.net arms raised. and palms.
Examine back of Finally, check “Like” us on Facebook! 4 neck and scalp 5 back and with a hand buttocks with a mirror. Part hair hand mirror. and lift. The abnormal growth of skin cells—most Melanoma—usually brown or black, but can Dermatologists recommend the following often develops on skin exposed to the sun, appear pink, tan, or even white. precautions to avoid getting skin cancer:
but it can also develop on skin not exposed to Thinking of "ABCDE" can help you remember Avoid peak sunlight hours— 10:00am until the sun. what to look for: 4:00pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest There are 3 major types of skin cancer: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen— buy Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Diameter, Evolving a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that L W protects against both UVA and UVB rays Carcinoma and Melanoma. A ARN RM ING O SIG Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours— and Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas N NS after swimming or excessive perspiration are more common and treatment is usually Wear a wide brim hat and sunglass that very effective; malignant Melanoma is rare protect against 100% of UV rays Symmetrical Asymmetrical but very serious and can be more difficult to Avoid indoor tanning beds treat.
Basal Cell Carcinoma—often looks like open Borders are Borders are even uneven sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars.
People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop skin cancer:
Lighter natural skin color Squamous Cell Carcinoma—often looks like Family or personal history of skin cancer scaly red patches, open sores, elevated Exposure to the sun through work and play growths with a central depression, or warts; A history of sunburns early in life they may crust or bleed. A history of indoor tanning Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun Blue or green eyes Blonde or red hair, and Certain types and large number of moles Ordinary mole Changing in size, shape & color