Skin Cancer (cont.)
What about follow-up care for skin cancer?
Skin cancer has a better prognosis, or outcome, than most other types of cancer. It is generally curable. Even though most skin
cancers are cured, people who have been treated for skin cancer have a
higher-than-average risk of developing a new cancer of the skin. This is the reason why it is so
important for patients to continue to examine themselves regularly, visit their doctor for regular checkups, and follow their doctor's
instructions on how to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer again.
How about vitamin D and cancer?
Some recent reports suggest that getting vitamin D from sun exposure may prevent the occurrence and spread of cancers, both of internal organs and of the skin. In spite of the
occasional controversy surrounding these studies, their common-sense implications are simple enough. Even those doctors who recommend sun for
vitamin D only suggest 15 minutes a few times a week. For most people, especially those who have day jobs or live in cooler climates, following this advice is not likely to result in markedly higher risk of skin cancer. No responsible authority suggests that to help with
vitamin D, people ought to sunbathe or visit tanning salons.
What resources are available to patients with skin cancer?
Skin Cancer Foundation
245 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2402
New York, NY 10016
212-725-5176
This nonprofit organization provides publications and audiovisual materials on the prevention, early detection,
and treatment of skin cancer. The foundation also publishes Sun and Skin
News and The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, which have nontechnical articles on skin cancer. Send a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to the above address to receive free printed information.
American Academy of Dermatology
PO Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
708-330-0230
The American Academy of Dermatology is an organization of doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin problems.
It provides free booklets on skin cancer and can refer people to dermatologists in their local area.
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
1-800-635-0635
This society sends free information about various surgical procedures. It can also provide the names of board-certified
plastic surgeons in a patient's area.
- There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans.
- Ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer.
- The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance
of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained
changes in the appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be
evaluated by a doctor.
- Nonmelanoma skin cancer is generally curable. The cure rate for
nonmelanoma skin cancer could be 100% if these lesions were brought to a
doctor's attention before they had a chance to spread.
- Treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer depends on the type and location of
the skin cancer, the risk of scarring, as well as the age and health of the
patient. Methods used include curettage and desiccation, surgical excision,
cryosurgery, radiation, and Mohs micrographic surgery.
- Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower
the risk for all types of skin cancer. Regular surveillance of susceptible
individuals, both by self-examination and regular physical examination, is also
a good idea for people at higher risk. People who have already had any form of
skin cancer should have regular medical checkups.
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