Blocking out the sun —steps to avoid skin cancer Published June 19, 2013 By Airman Megan Friedl 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The 375th Medical Group is reminding Team Scott about taking precautions to avoid susceptibility to skin cancer this summer. "Skin cancer is very preventable," said Lt. Col. Scott Carrizales, 375th Medical Group chief of dermatology services. According to Maj. Emily Wong, 375th MDG dermatologist, wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or 45, and wearing broad-rimmed hats and sun protective clothing can reduce the risk of skin cancer. She said sunscreen should cover broad or full spectrum, and be water and sweat resistant. People should have it re-applied every four hours and should stay away from direct sunlight during the hours between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, many lotions and makeup contain sunscreen to make it easily available for people to use. Individuals who have lighter skin, red hair, light blue or green eyes or have a family history of skin cancer have a higher susceptibility to the disease. However, anyone can get skin cancer. Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the skin. The face, neck, back of arms and hands are the most common places that cancer has appeared. Squamous and Basal Cell Cancer is the most commonly seen at the base medical clinic. These forms of skin cancer may result in red, shiny, pearly or scaly skin. Melanoma is the other type of skin cancer. It has the highest mortality rate. It is responsible for 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. According to the 375th MDG, to find if someone has skin cancer early on, self examination is imperative. When looking at yourself for any skin cancer it is good to remember your ABCDE's, which stands for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolving. All of those factors should be considered when looking at moles and other marks that could be cancerous on your skin. Carrizales said, "Currently 30 patients come in to the clinic for follow-ups of Melanoma. All of them were found early and are getting better." According to American Academy of Dermatology, even Melanoma, which can be deadly, has a cure rate of almost 100 percent when treated early. The Scott Clinic offers many types of treatment for skin cancer patients. Patients may receive screenings and biopsies to determine if the patient has a presence of cancerous material and how severe it is. Surgical excisions, electrodessication and curettage which are scraping and burning of the cancer may be used as treatment. Medicines in the form of creams can also be applied to get rid of cancer. Further treatment may be done including photo dynamic therapy which is a blue light that kills cancer cells. For more information, contact the 375th MDG Dermatology Services at 256-7571.