heard of melanoma because it is the scariest of the
skin cancers. It can lead to death. It can metastasize,
this means grow into the body and spread. Melanoma
follows no rules. It can be on sun-exposed areas or it
can be in areas that have never seen the sun. It can
be genetic or you could be the first in your family
diagnosed.
Early detection is key. Check your own skin and check
your spouse's skin. Have your primary provider or
someone who specializes in dermatology check you
all over every year. Look for "spots" on your skin that
look "weird" or "different" and get them checked. Look
for the ABCDE's of melanoma. A is for Asymmetry,
is one side different than the other? B is for Border, is
the border irregularly shaped? C is for Color, is there
more than one color or has the color changed? D is for
Diameter, is the size of the mole larger than a pencil
eraser, about 6 mm? E is for Evolving, has the mole
changed over time in any of the other mentioned ways?
So other than getting yearly skin exams how do you
protect yourself? Wear sunscreen. But there are so
many out there which one is the best? Choose the
one that has both UVA and UVB protection. Use it
everyday of the year on the sun-exposed areas. Choose
the one you like. Everyone's skin is so different so try a
few different brands and see which one you like best.
But how do I know what SPF to use? This is easy too.
Remember that anything over SPF 30 is really just SPF
30. You will be getting about 98% coverage and there
is nothing out there that is better than this. Does this
mean don't use SPF 50 or 70 or 100? Not necessarily,
remember to find the one you like and use it every day
of the year. So if the one you love is SPF 75 then that
is great, just remember it is really only SPF 30 and if
you are going to be in direct sunlight or in water it has
to be reapplied.
What about vitamin D, don't I need to be in the
sun to get enough? There are a few months during
the summer that the sun is close enough to provide
adequate levels of vitamin D. This can be achieved in
as little as 5-15 minutes, longer is not recommended
or necessary. For the other 9 months of the year taking
an oral supplement is necessary. Ask your provider to
check your vitamin D level with a simple blood test to
see how much you should take.
So remember, check early, check often, and skin
cancer won't be a problem. You can't undo the past sun
exposure, you can only move forward with adequate
sun protection.
Tobacco Cessation Classes
Ever thought of quitting? Want some quick tips? Come to this 1 1/2 hour seminar to learn:
· Why you use tobacco
· What your triggers are and identify ways to beat them
· How to use nicotine replacement products effectively, including the "e-cigarette"
· How to establish or find positive support
We are here for you when you are ready to quit! The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is the ONLY organization
offering Tobacco Cessation classes locally. Classes are offered monthly, free-of-charge.
Due to generous support from Washington River Protection Solutions, first time participants will be offered
the choice of nicotine replacement patches, nicotine gum OR $40 toward the purchase of an e-cigarette at
NO COST,
while supplies last.
Presenter: Cindy Miller, RN
Pre-registration is required. Call (509) 737-3432 for more information.
Upcoming classes
· May10,2013,9:30-11:00a.m.
· June4,2013,2:00-3:30p.m.
· TobaccoCessationsClasseswillbeheldatleastonceamonthin2013