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Making the Connection Between Sun and Skin Cancer

From the beginning, the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research has had a special interest in skin cancer. The first human cancer successfully transplanted into the nude mouse in 1970 at the Foundation was malignant melanoma. After numerous publications involving treatments for skin cancer, the Foundation is recognized today for significant contributions to skin cancer research and treatment.

Unfortunately, the need for research is greater than ever, as the incidence of skin cancer in the US is growing. Nationally there are more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, and colon.1

It has been proven that that all types of skin cancer are directly influenced by exposure to sunlight, with genetic factors contributing significantly in some cases. However, here is a startling fact: Fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use the sun protection that could help protect them from damage!2

Jaime Tschen, M.D., dermatologist and dermapathologist with Christus St. Joseph Hospital, explains, “The problem is that damage from the skin’s exposure is cumulative, and people are living longer. Many of the 500,000 Americans who get skin cancer every year are over 50. In this case the ‘best medicine’ is education, screening, and the daily use of sunscreen year-round.”

Skin Cancer 101
There are three types of skin cancer of which people need to be aware:

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and least severe of skin cancers,
appearing on areas of skin exposed to the sun as a sore that does not heal. Although basal cell cancer is almost 100% curable, these patients are 6-8 times more likely to develop melanoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma develops on sun-exposed areas of skin including lip and eyelid tissue. It is often associated with both sun exposure and tobacco use. More aggressive than basal cell cancer, squamous cell can spread to other organs.

Malignant Melanoma is the most severe and potentially lethal form of skin cancer, typically arising from cells that produce pigment or melanin in the skin, such as moles. Melanoma can occur in both exposed and non-exposed skin.


Breakthroughs in Skin Cancer Treatment
The “big news” in skin cancer beyond its alarming increase is that several new treatment methods are helping to curb the destruction done by this disease.

According to Dr. Tschen, three new modalities are effective in treating skin cancers caught early. One is photodynamic activation therapy (PDT), which involves a light-activated drug either injected into the body or applied to the affected skin. The drug, when exposed to a special light source, produces a chemical that kills the cancer cells.

A new topical cream called Aldara has been very effective in killing precancerous and very early cancer cells, avoiding the need for patient surgery and radiation. In addition, the FDA recently approved an injectable medication to be used in the treatment of melanoma.

The greatest advance in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanomas and other skin lesions, according to Dr. Tschen, is the technology of hand-held illuminating microscopy used by dermatologists. He said, “The advanced magnification capability greatly improves our ability to detect early stages of cancer, particularly melanoma. All skin cancers have encouraging cure rates when they’re treated early.”

Your Best Protection Against Skin Cancer – Yourself!
Although heredity and complexion does factor into some types of skin cancer, everyone can benefit from the protection offered by sunscreen and common sense. A few guidelines for this summer:
• Avoid sunburns and stay out of the direct sunlight from 10 am – 4 pm. Dr. Tschen advises, “If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is too hot to be safe.”
• Protect yourself with appropriate clothing and wear waterproof sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or above. Reapply every 30 minutes before exercising or going into the water.

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