Related Document: mi_slow_burn.pdf (Slow Burn - Messenger-Inquirer)
(Reprinted with permission from the Messenger-Inquirer)
Tanning, burning now can lead to cancer later.
Before stepping outside or ducking into a tanning bed, it's good to keep in mind that as the sun or the bulbs toast your skin, they're toasting the DNA that keeps your skin healthy.
Whether it be caused by natural or artificial sources, the tan-causing production of melanin in your skin is also a sign that damage is being done to the DNA of the skin cells. When that DNA is damaged, the cells' natural reproduction is disrupted, which can lead to cancer.
"It's a common condition," said Dr. Artis P. Truett III, a dermatologist at Owensboro Dermatology on New Hartford Road. "It causes skin cells to go haywire and start growing uncontrolled."
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, making it the most common form of cancer. Of the various skin cancers, there are three main types, with melanoma being the deadliest and most well known. The other two--squamous cell and basal cell--are both common and usually very treatable.
Sun and tanning exposure, Truett said, are the big risk factors. "It makes skin cells more likely to be cancerous, and it's been shown that there's a direct relation between the number of sunburns a person has had and the likelihood that they'll develop cancer," Truett said, adding that freckles and other sun marks are anything but cute. "Freckles are basically scars. They're signs of skin damage."
For Sheila Knepper, the time in the sun finally caught up with her. "Back when I was younger, I don't think the parents stressed it (sun protection), "Knepper said.
Since October 2004, Knepper has had more than 25 basal cell carcinomas removed from her legs, back and face. Every so often she will find another that needs to be removed, the price for her early years in the sun.
"It's a good thing I didn't wait," Knepper said. "If you wait, it can go deep down into the deeper skin and muscle, and it's really dangerous."
Though most of the skin cancers are far less dangerous than other types, that doesn't make them any less serious. Truett said people need to be honest and serious about it. "I think people are somewhat aware of it, but a lot of people are in denial, "Truett said. "They say, 'It's not going to happen to me' or 'It's going to happen to someone else' or 'It's not going to happen to me until I'm old.'"
Along the lines of education is prevention. By stopping skin cancer before it starts, Truett said, simple preparation steps can save hundreds or thousands of lives and dollars. He recommends sunscreen or clothing to cover skin, preferabley clothing , since sunscreen reliably stops only sunburn and not necessarily the sun's damaging effects. Knepper said the important thing to keep in mind is that one doesn't have to sacrifice enjoyable times outdoors. She simply is much more conscientious because of her experience.
Truett said he urges people to not hold back when it comes to being checked for skin cancer. The simple guideline to follow is ABCD. Any skin blemishes, birthmarks or moles that are asymmetrical, have an irregular border, have irregular color and are more than 6 millimeters in diameter need to be checked. It's also important to take good care of skin if you have had sun damage. By staying covered up or using sunscreen products, you allow your body's natural processes to take hold.
"There's evidence that protecting your skin or wearing sunscreen is therapeutic," Truett said. "If you protect your skin, it will (have a chance) to recover."
While education for current generations is important, Truett said, he thinks caregivers and role models need to be focusing on the younger crowd. By teaching children about prevention, Truett said, it's possible to prevent skin cancers.
"Parents, teachers and grandparents need to educate children. We need to make a generational change," Truett said. "I'm hoping the next generation learns a bit more."
Dariush Shafa: Messenger-Inquirer
