1. Skin Cancer

2. What is Cancer?
• Occurs when cells in a body
part begin to grow out of
control and crowd out
normal cells.
• Skin cancer is the
most common of
all cancers.
Most skin cancers are:
• slow-growing
• easy to recognize
• relatively easy to treat when
detected early
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) rays, mostly from the sun but also from tanning beds.

3. Two Types of Skin Cancer
1. Non-Melanomas – (most common skin cancers)
– Include Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Cancers
– Can be fast or slow growing, but rarely spread
– Found on sun exposed parts of body like the head and neck
– This year approximately 2,940 people will die from non-
melanoma skin cancer

4. •Commonest skin cancer in Caucasian population.
•Major cause is sun exposure
•Common sites on face and trunk
•Not metastatic

5. • Second most common skin cancer in
Caucasian population
• Caused by the sun exposure-chronic sun
exposures
• Most at risk are those with pale skin who
burn in the sun
• Commonest in sun exposed area
• Pre-cancerous lesion is the solar keratosis
• Metastatic potential- to regional lymph
nodes, then liver, lungs etc.

7. • Second most common cancer to affect young women
• Can occur anywhere on the body
• Less common, but more serious
• Almost always curable when detected early
• More likely to spread to other parts of body
• This year approximately 8,650 people will die from melanoma
• High metastatic potential- local, lymph nodes, lung liver and brain

8. Causes of Skin Cancer

9. Sand
SEA
1. Ultraviolet light and other potential
causes- ultraviolet (UV) radiation
found in sunlight and in the lights
used in tanning beds.
2. Being exposed to toxic substances
3. Tanning

10. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of invisible energy
given off by the sun
UV rays are divided into 3 wavelength ranges:
1. UVA Rays, causes long-term skin damage such as
wrinkles, but also play a role in some skin cancers.
2. UVB Rays, direct damage to DNA, these rays cause
sunburns, cause most skin cancers.
3. UVC Rays, do not penetrate atmosphere, not
present in sunlight.
There are NO safe UV Rays!

11. 100-280 280-210 310-400

12. There is no evidence that tanning in a bed is any safer than tanning in
the sun -- in fact, some tanning beds release much stronger UV light
than the sun does. There is a 75% increase in risk for melanoma among
those who first use tanning beds in their teens and early twenties.

13. 13
 Tanning Pills
• The additives are distributed throughout the body,
especially the skin, turning it an orange-like color.
• They are not approved for use as tanning agents and may
be harmful.
 Tanning Accelerators
• Such as lotions or pills that contain the amino acid tyrosine
or its derivatives, are not effective and may be dangerous.
 Bronzers and Extenders
• Not considered harmful when used properly. These
products do not protect against UV exposure.

14. Symptoms and Detection of Skin
Cancer

15. •
cancers are most often found in areas that get exposed to
a lot of sun, such as the head, neck, and arms, but they
can occur elsewhere.
• Look for new growths, spots, bumps, patches,
or sores that don't heal after 2 to 3 months.

16. • Change in the size, shape or color of a mole, such as:
• Signs that a mole’s border is becoming more ragged
• Spread of pigmentation beyond its border
Asymmetry: Border: Color: Diameter:

17. •Surgery
 Cryosurgery
 Laser Surgery
 Skin Grafting &
Reconstructive Surgery
•Chemotherapy
•Radiation Therapy

18. • Everyone
• Individuals who are lighter
skinned, have freckles, and have
blond, red, or light brown hair.
• Individuals who work outdoors and
or live in high altitudes (due to
increased UV rays).
• Prior treatment with immune
suppressing medicine.
• Excessive exposure to light from
tanning lamps, booths or sunlight

19. Limit your sun exposure during
10am-4pm
Cover up your skin, especially
your arms and legs.
Wear a wide brimmed hat to
protect eyes, ears, and face.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or
higher, and be sure to re-apply.
Avoid artificial sources of UV light
(tanning beds)

20. 20
•Face the mirror:
Check your face,
ears, neck, chest, and
belly. Women will
need to lift breasts to
check the skin
underneath.

21. Check the underarm
areas, both sides of the
arms, the tops and
bottoms of your hands,
in between your fingers,
and fingernail beds.

22. 22
Sit Down
Check the front of
your thighs, shins,
tops of your feet,
in between your
toes, and toenail
beds.

23. 23
You will need a hand
mirror for your thighs,
back, and scalp.
Now look at the bottoms
of your feet, your calves,
and the backs of your
thighs, first checking one
leg and then the other.

24. Three Things to Remember:
Nearly all skin cancers are preventable by limiting
unprotected exposure to the sun.
Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if
detected early – even melanoma.
When out in the sun, seek shade and “Slip! Slop!
Slap! Wrap!”
Slip on a shirt
Slop on SPF 15+ sunscreen
Slap on a hat
Wrap on sunglasses

25. Thanks for Listening 
Prepared By:
Jenine Decena
Lara Mae Dela Cruz
Christine Sarzuelo