8 th & 7 th Grade Objective 1.2

1. 8th & 7th GradeObjective 1.2

2. PCH 1.2 • Explain environmental, psychological, and social factors affecting excessive sun exposure.

3. Skin Cancer • Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. • It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. • There are three different types of ‘skin cancer’ • Basal cell carcinoma • Squamous cell carcinoma • Melanoma

4. Basal Cell Carcinoma • This skin cancer occurs in heavily sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the face and neck and typically appears starting at about age 40. Although it is common in all areas of the country, it is especially prevalent in southern states.

5. Basal Cell Carcinoma • Typically occur as light pink or flesh-colored bumps with pearly or waxy appearances. • They grow slowly and are almost never fatal but, if neglected, they can grow to the point where disfiguring surgery is necessary to remove them.

6. Squamous Cell Carcinoma • This skin cancer also tends to occur in the most heavily sun-exposed areas of the skin and, like basal cell carcinoma, typically appears at about age 40. It occurs in all areas of the country but is more prevalent in southern states.

7. Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Often start as flat red or brown splotches which became rough, dry, and scaly. If not treated, they may eventually grow large enough to spread to nearby internal organs and be fatal.

8. Melanoma • Most dangerous type of skin cancer. • It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. • Superficial spreading melanoma • Most common type of melanoma. • Usually flat and irregular in shape and color, with different shades

9. Melanoma • Nodular Melanoma • Usually starts as a raised area that is dark blackish-blue or blush-red. • However, some do not have color. • LentigoMaligna Melanoma • Usually occurs in the elderly. • It is most common in sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and arms. • The abnormal skin areas are usually large, flat, and tan with areas of brown.

10. Melanoma • AcralLentiginous Melanoma • Is the least common form of melanoma. • It usually occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails and is more common in African Americans.

11. Melanoma • The deadliest of skin cancers, melanoma may occur anywhere on the body, including places which have not been exposed to sun. • It often occurs in areas of the skin which have been subjected to sporadic heavy sun exposure such as the back in males and the legs in females.

12. Melanoma • Vulnerability to melanoma begins at age 12, much earlier than other skin cancers. • If not removed early, while thin, melanoma often grows rapidly, spreads to distant internal organs, and is fatal.

13. Melanoma • May develop form pre-existing moles or start in clear areas of the skin. • The first step to checking your skin is to learn about moles, which are pigmented spots which may be flat or raised. • There are two types: normal and atypical

14. Normal moles : have round or oval shapes, are less than ¼ inch wide, have uniform color and shade, and have sharp, even borders.

15. Atypical moles: present in 15% of the white population, usually have one or more of these properties: • Width: ¼ inch or more • Irregular shape • Two or more shades or colors • Raised “fried egg” center • Pebbled surface

16. Early Detection • The ABCD system: • Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half. • Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges.

17. Early Detection • Color: Color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one sore. • Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6mm in diameter – about the size of a pencil eraser.

18. Check Your Skin • Using a wall mirror in a well-lighten room, a hand mirror with long handle, flashlight, hair brush or dryer for parting hair, and two small chairs or stools. • Check upper and lower back thoroughly. The back is the most common site of melanoma in males. • While sitting on a chair a stool, check all sides of legs and feet including ankles, between toes, and under toenails. • Legs are the most common site of melanoma in females.

19. See a Doctor if you find: • A new mole or a suspicious pigmented spot or growth you had not noticed before. • A change in color, size, shape, border, or surface of a mole, freckle, birthmark or other mark. • A mole or other growth which looks different from others on your skin.

20. Decreasing the risk of Melanoma • Minimize exposure to sunlight from 10am to 4pm • Avoid tanning beds • Wear protective clothing including a wide-brimmed hat • Sunscreens prevent less serious skin cancers but it is not certain they prevent melanoma. If you use one, make sure it has an SPF rating of 30 or more with protection for both UVA and UVB, apply it liberally and reapply every two hours. • Consider having atypical moles removed if they are in areas which you are not likely to notice every day.

21. Go to www.skincheck.org • In a word document. (this is individual work) • Answer these questions: • List all of the warning signs which may be possible indications of melanoma. • List all factors which increase your risk of melanoma.