By the end of the year, some 1.2 million people nationwide will be diagnosed with the most common types of skin cancer, most of these patients from the pre-sunscreen generation.
Dermatologists widely agree today that sun lovers should avoid the outdoors between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) if they are outdoors at mid-day. Yet thousands of us who spent our youth worshiping the sun will face treatment for basal and squamous cell skin cancers, both very treatable if diagnosed early.
The Providence Holy Cross Santa Clarita Cancer Center offers the mvost sophisticated skin cancer treatment in the Santa Clarita Valley. Leading-edge electron radiation treatment is now available and offers additional benefits to patients. This method provides a shallow dose of radiation — which can be varied for each individual, ensuring accuracy.
Providence Holy Cross teams with UCLA radiation oncologists at its Santa Clarita Cancer Center to deliver state-of-the-art cancer care. Not only do patients get the expertise of an academic medical center, but access to the latest in clinical trials of potential new treatments.
Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are the most common types of cancer, accounting for about half of all cancers. They rarely result in death — unless they go untreated.
These cancers typically grow on areas exposed to the sun, so the best treatment is prevention. Tanning, whether it’s at the beach, by the pool or under the lights at a tanning salon, is the key cause of skin cancer. Resisting the temptation to soak up the sun, unprotected, will help guarantee healthy skin later in life.
Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, and it is most common on the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell skin cancer also occurs on parts of the skin that have been in the sun, but it also may be in places that are less exposed. Squamous cell cancer sometimes spreads to lymph nodes and internal organs.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is much more rare and can be deadly.
For early detection, make sure to examine your skin once a month to look for any new growths or changes in existing lesions. If you identify a skin change or are concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor.
The experts at Providence Holy Cross Santa Clarita Cancer Center recommend adults schedule bi-annual dermatologist visits as part of their regular healthcare routine.