Non-melanoma cancer usually strikes in one of the following two forms: basal cell carcinoma, tumors that arise in the lowest level of the epidermis, or squamous cell carcinoma, tumors that arise in the upper layer of the skin. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, with about one million new cases diagnosed each year. Non-melanoma skin cancer often starts as a patch or spot on the skin called an actinic keratosis (AK) lesion, the most common type of precancerous growth. You may have an AK lesion if you notice a small crusty or scaly bump or horn beneath your skin. These abnormalities usually appear on the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders and back.
PREVENTION: Since exposure to UV light is the most common cause of skin cancer, shielding yourself from the sun's rays is the best way to protect yourself from both melanoma and non-melanoma. Here are some tips to stay skin cancer-free:
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
Stay out of the sun when possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When recreating outside, apply two tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body, and reapply every two hours.
A NEW PREVENTIVE: Researchers are testing a new drug that may help prevent skin cancer. A niacin-based, topically applied product called Myristyl Nicotinate helps stem cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, to become highly specialized cells. By strengthening the upper layer of skin, this product may protect against the re-growth of AK lesions. The trials for Myristyl Nicotinate are in Phase I, and Elaine Jacobson, Ph.D., co-developer of the drug, hopes it will be on the market by 2010.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Elaine Jacobson, PhD
University of Arizona/Arizona Cancer Center
jacobse@pharmacy.arizona.edu
http://www.arizonacancercenter.org
http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/faculty/ejacobsonlab/ejacobsonlab.html
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Lindsay Braun at lbraun@ivanhoe.com.
