CONTACT:
John O'Brien
(847)330-0101, ext.339
E-mail: [email protected]
SKIN CANCER RISKS INCREASE FOR AMERICANS
NEW YORK, NY (April 29, 1998) -- Americans have a one in 82 risk for developing melanoma in their lifetime, according to a 1997 study. In 1980, the risk was one in 250.
"One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime" according to Darrell Rigel, MD, a New York City dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at New York City University. In fact, one-half of all new cancers are skin cancers.
Early detection of skin cancer dramatically improves the survival rate. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have a better than 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early.
Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important fact in determining a person's risk of skin cancer. Past sunburns, sun exposure at young ages, genetics and immune system deficiencies may also play a part. The following quiz can help determine your risk for developing skin cancer. After you add up your total points, match your score with those noted below to find your risk level:
______ Hair Color
Blond/red = 4, brown = 3, black = 1
______ Eye Color
Blue/green = 4, hazel = 3, brown = 2
______ When exposed to one hour of summer sun, you...
Burns, and sometimes blister = 4, burn, then tan = 3, tan = 1
______ Where is your job?
Outdoors = 4, mixed = 3, indoors = 2
______ Has anyone in your family had skin cancer?
Yes = 5, no = 1
______ Where in the U.S. did you live most before the age of 18?
South = 4, Midwest = 3, North = 2
Risk Levels 10 - 15 Below average risk 16 - 22 Average risk 23 - 25 High risk 26 - 30 Very high risk
People with the following characteristics have the highest risk for melanoma:
* Fair complexions, that burn or blister easily
*Blond or red hair
*Blue, green or grey eyes
*Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years, blistering and sunburns before age 20
*Family history of melanoma
*More than 100 moles, 50 if you are under age 20
To help combat the increase in skin cancer, board-certified dermatologists from across the country are volunteering their time and expertise at free melanoma/skin cancer screenings in their local communities. To locate a screening program in your area, contact your local or state dermatologic society.
The American Academy of Dermatology is the world's largest organization of dermatologists with over 11,500 members.
# # #
RSS