Common skin cancer seen in people over 50 now appearing in Canadian teens, people in their twenties
TORONTO, May 27, 2005 — A very common form of skin cancer usually seen in people over 50 years old is now being found in a younger group of people including teens and those in their twenties, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association.
More than 60,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer this year alone. Although it is the least dangerous form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma must be treated since it will continue to grow, invading and destroying surrounding skin tissue, eventually causing disfigurement.
The 17th National Sun Awareness Week, organized by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) and running from May 30 to June 5, 2005, will focus on this common skin cancer, the increasing number of cases, the decreasing average age at diagnosis, early detection and prevention. Dermatologists will be conducting skin cancer screenings for the public.
"The prime cause of basal cell skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, an environmental factor that people can have some control over," says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, national director of the CDA's Sun Awareness Program. "Frequent severe sunburns and intense sun exposure in childhood increase the risk of basal cell skin cancer. Traditionally, we would see this cancer in people over 50.
"However, the fact that it is showing up in teens and people in their twenties is of great concern to dermatologists. "The main cause is lifestyle changes - people are out in the sun at an earlier age. A tan is still looked upon as desirable, especially in younger women."
"Exposure to the sun is associated with all forms of skin cancer," says Sylvia Leonard, Senior Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. "If people protect themselves while outdoors in the sun it will result in substantial reductions in cancer cases a year.
"Ideally people should try and reduce their sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest. But if you have to be outside during this time on a sunny day wear a wide-brimmed hat, cover your arms and legs with clothing and apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and seek shade."
Dr. Rosen adds that it's important that "this information about basal cell skin cancer appearing in a younger group of people is shared with family doctors because often they see patients before we do."
For more information, contact:
Sue Sherlock
Canadian Dermatology Association
604-985-9184 or cell 778-229-5033
or Julie Simard
418-521-3768 or cell 418-254-0396
Rachel Brown
Bilingual Communications Specialist
Canadian Cancer Society
416-934-5681
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The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin; provide continuing medical education for its members; support and advance patient care; offer public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin care; and promote a lifetime of healthy skin, hair and nails.
The Canadian Dermatology Association has organized a nationwide Sun Awareness Week for 17 years. The purpose of the annual campaign is to educate Canadians about the dangers of too much sun in order to stop the rising incidence of skin cancer in the country. For more information, please see the CDA website, www.dermatology.ca, or call 1800-267-3376. |
Backgrounder
Fast facts about basal cell skin cancer:
- The incidence of basal cell skin cancer in North America is going up by 5 per cent a year.
- A child born in 1994 now has a 28 per cent to 33 per cent lifetime risk of developing this skin cancer.
- Of the 78,000 new cases of all types of non-melanoma skin cancer expected in Canada this year, more than 60,000 or 80 per cent will be basal cell skin cancer, making this the most common form of skin cancer.
About basal cell skin cancer
Photos of basal cell skin cancers available at Canada New Wire
What does it look like?
Basal cell skin cancers usually appear on sun exposed areas, most commonly the face and neck but also on the trunk and legs. The appearance of this type of skin cancer can vary.
The early warning signs to look for are:
- a sore or pimple-like growth that bleeds, crusts over and then reappears. Any sore that does not heal within two months should be examined by your dermatologist.
- a firm, flesh coloured or slightly reddish bump, often with a pearly border. It may have small blood vessels on the surface which gives it a red color.
- a small, red, scaling patch seen most often on the trunk.
What causes it?
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the prime cause of this skin cancer. Frequent severe sunburns and intense sun exposure in childhood increase the risk of basal cell skin cancer in adulthood.
Who is at risk?
A large group of the population is much more susceptible to getting this form of skin cancer. Studies have shown that fair skinned people with blond or red hair and skin that usually burns when out in the sun are most at risk. The incidence increases as people get older, especially over the age of 50. However, these tumours are now being seen in teenagers and in people in their early twenties. More men get this basal cell skin cancer than women. People who already have one basal cell skin cancer will have a higher risk for developing another. Organ transplant patients whose immune systems are compromised by their medications also face a higher risk.
How is this cancer treated?
Treatment options depend on the tumour (size, location etc.) and the patient's own health status. Your dermatologist will discuss treatment options with you. Some treatment options are simple surgical excision, and electodessication and cautery.
For large tumours, recurrent tumours and tumours located near important structures such as the nose or eyes, Mohs surgery is indicated. This is a specialized form of surgery which has a high cure rate, removing just the tumour and sparing the normal skin. This form of surgery is performed by dermatologists specially trained in this technique.
New therapies such as photodynamic therapy and immune modulating creams are on the horizon for some forms of this type of skin cancer.
02/27/2006
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