Skin Cancer Screening

Having one or more risks for skin cancer does not mean you will get the disease. It means that you may be more likely to get skin cancer. Persons at increased risk for skin cancer include those who:

Have red or blond hair, fair skin, freckles, and blue or light-colored eyes
Live in sunny climates
Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
Have a personal history of skin cancer
Work around coal, tar, arsenic compounds, creosote, pitch and paraffin oil
Have damaged skin, such as a major scar or burn
Have actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition of thick, scaly patches of skin. It may also appear as a cracking or peeling lower lip that does not heal with lip balm.

The truth is that preventing skin cancer is like preventing any other kind of cancer. Our bodies are amazing to start with, and they do much of the work already on their own. There are cells from our immune system that “mop up” any damaged cells that could go on to become cancerous. Why does skin cancer form? The sun hits our skin and produces free radicals, which inflict DNA damage. When the body can’t keep up with all the damage, that’s when skin cancer can form. What can we do to prevent it? Help your body from three directions: sun protection to minimize the environmental insult, keeping a healthy immune system and supplementing with antioxidants that quench free radicals. Tips to reduce your risk of skin cancer: Sun protection is not just about sunscreen. Sun protection means hats, sun protective clothing or sunguard laundry powder. Wear rash guards in the water, avoid the mid-day sun, protect yourself when you are driving or near a window. UV protective glasses are also effective in minimizing the impact of the sun’s rays. Sunscreen helps protect you from sun damage. Wear SPF30 or higher on the face, neck, hands and other parts of the body when you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes. Look for chemical free sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the healthiest and broadest spectrum block. Diet is key for maintaining a healthy immune system. Include as many antioxidant foods in your diet as possible. Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables. Focus on foods rich in Omega 3-fatty acids or take an Omega 3 fatty acid supplement (1000 mg) daily with food. Take a multivitamin that includes antioxidants and put them on your skin too. Vitamins A, C and E, along with other antioxidants, are in many facial products and sunscreens. Properly prepared Vitamin C serums can decrease sun damaged skin cells. Other studies have shown a decrease in pre-cancers by a nightly use of a Vitamin A derivative like retinol and Retin A. Other antioxidants that may benefit the skin. Milk, thistle, grape seed polyphenols (green tea/red wine), turmeric (curry), licorice extract and rosemary. Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor to help you customize a diet and supplement regime that’s right for you. The benefits of green tea are being consistently proven. We recommend 3-5 cups a day. Make sure you are using filtered water. Studies are showing even topical green tea can reduce free radicals. Get your Vitamin D. Rigorous sun protection could lead to depletion. Make sure you get about 10-15 minutes of exposure 2-3 times per week. Get your Vitamin D levels checked. Dr. Scheel says 50% of our patients in Hawaii are low in Vitamin D. Your goal level is 60-70 to help prevent skin cancer and spread of melanoma. Don’t forget the important mind body connection. Keep your immune system running in top shape. Surround yourself with people who support a positive outlook. Find ways that suit your lifestyle to reduce your reaction to the stressors that exist in our world. Try yoga, reading, walking, gardening, massage, meditation, praying, friends, laughter, acupuncture and regular exercise.

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