Skin cancer screenings offered in May

Summer in the southwest is hot and sunny and can place individuals at higher risk for skin cancer if proper precautions are ignored. To help raise awareness of the importance of protecting skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) is offering free skin screenings during the month of May and the first week of June. Screenings will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 8 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 4 p.m., on Fridays at HSR-2, Building 1411, at Technical Area 3.

Though the screenings are free, Lab workers must call 7-7839 to arrange an appointment, said Buffy Bergquist of HSR-2.

Individuals with high risk factors should try to find time to participate in the free screening, she said. Risk factors include

history (or family history) of skin cancer;
previous severe sun burn (especially as a child);
suspicious lesions;
fair complexion.

Protecting skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays should be practiced year round, especially by those individuals with the above risk factors, said Bergquist. Additionally, New Mexico's higher elevation increases the intensity of the ultraviolet rays and places residents at higher risk for skin cancer. Ultraviolet rays are always present even on cloudy days. For maximum protection follow these simple rules:

When planning to be outdoors for a prolonged period, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Extra protection is provided with high SPF lotions or creams;
Wear sunglasses with UV protection to block retinal exposure to harmful rays;
Wear a broad-brimmed hat;
Use an umbrella;
Plan outdoor activities to avoid peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothing to help block UV light.

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma, said Bergquist.

Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, ears, lips and around the mouth of fair-skinned people. It can start as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red or white. It may be crusty or have an open sore that doesn't heal or heals only temporarily. Basal cell carcinoma can be cured easily if treated early.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a scaly patch or warty growth. It has a high cure rate when found and treated early.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It may look like a brown, black or multicolored mole. It can occur on any part of the body and when found early, can be cured.

Individuals should check for changes in skin and suspect lesions on a monthly basis; use a mirror or ask a partner to check back and neck areas. Any change in skin condition should be reported promptly to a primary care provider for early intervention as needed.

For more information on skin cancer, see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5104a4.htm or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skincancer.html online.

-- Steve Sandoval