“The Heat of Summer and Skin Cancer Awareness”
Florence G. Cepedoza, MD
Dr. Florence Gonzaga Cepedoza, also known as “Dr. Jun-Jun” is a distinguished surgical oncologist based in Bohol, Philippines. He currently serves as the Head of the Surgical Oncology Section and Breast Clinic at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) and holds the position of Medical Specialist III at the same institution. In addition, he is affiliated with several hospitals in Tagbilaran City, including Ramiro Community Hospital (RCH), Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center Bohol, Tagbilaran Community Hospital (TCH), Holy Name University Hospital Inc. (HNU), Borja Family Hospital, and Bohol Doctors Hospital. His dedication and expertise have earned him multiple fellowships, including: Fellow, Philippine Society of General Surgeons (FPSGS) Fellow, Philippine College of Surgeons (FPCS) Fellow, Academy of Medicine of the Philippines (FAMP) Fellow, Philippine Society of Breast Surgeons (FPSBS) Fellow, Society of Surgical Oncology of the Philippines (FSOSP). Dr. Jun-Jun earned his medical degree from the Cebu Institute of Medicine, where he was classmates with his wife Dr. Almieda (Apple) Cepedoza, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist here in Bohol.
AS SUMMER unfolds, marking a time of joyful outdoor activities and sun-soaked adventures, it also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of skin health and cancer awareness.
Some people may believe that they don’t need to take care of their skin because they are naturally born brown and do not need to worry about skin cancer.
However, this is not true. I have witnessed cases where seemingly harmless skin lesions thought to be moles turned out to be skin cancer!
The sun’s rays, while essential for our well-being, can pose significant risks if not approached with caution. Skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, is largely preventable with the right awareness and protective measures. During the sweltering summer months, when ultraviolet (UV) radiation is at its peak, individuals must remain vigilant about sun safety. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, recognizing potential signs, and practicing effective sun protection strategies are essential components of our summer routines.
What are the various types of skin cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. They are the most common types of skin cancer and are often easily treated particularly when caught early. Basal cell carcinoma often appears as pearly, waxy bump or a flat, flesh-colored or tan scar-like are and typically develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, head, and neck, and they grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body.
On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma appears as a firm, reddish patch or a crusty, scaly area that may bleed and can also develop on sun exposed areas, but they may spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected early.
Melanomas often appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, especially one with irregular borders, multiple colors, and a diameter larger than 6 millimeters (the sizes of a pencil eraser).
How can we identify the signs of skin cancer?
To identify signs of skin cancer, pay close attention to any new or changing growths, spots, or bumps on the skin. Look for sores that don’t heal, rough or scaly red patches, and changes in existing moles, including size, shape, or color. Also, be aware of itching, pain, or tenderness around a skin growth, and any color that spreads from a spot’s border into surrounding skin.
1. ABCDEs of Melanoma:
∙ A – Asymmetry: Look for moles that are uneven or irregularly shaped, with the two halves differing in shape or size.
∙ B – Border: Pay attention to irregular or blurred edges of a mole.
∙ C – Color: Note moles with more than one color or uneven color distribution.
∙ D – Diameter: Consider moles larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters).
∙ E – Evolution: Be especially observant of changes in size, shape, color, or surface texture of a mole, as this is the most important sign.
2. Other Signs of Skin Cancer:
∙ New spots: Any new spot that looks different from other spots on your body.
- Sores that don’t heal: Sores that bleed, crust, or don’t heal within a few weeks.
- Rough or scaly patches: Rough or scaly red patches that might crust or bleed.
- Wart-like or scar-like growths: Look for wart-like or scar-like growths on the skin.
- Redness or swelling: Notice any redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole.
- Itching, pain, or tenderness: Pay attention to any itching, pain, or tenderness in an area that persists or comes and goes.
- Changes in surface: Watch for changes in the surface of a mole, such as oozing, scaliness, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump.
How are skin cancer diagnosed and treated?
If a doctor finds an abnormality on skin that might be skin cancer, the doctor will perform physical examination and biopsy. Imaging procedures such as CT scan, xray and MRI may be used to determine whether cancer cells have metastasized to internal organs and bones.
A recommended treatment plan will depend on different factors, like the size, location, type, and stage of your skin cancer. After considering these factors, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments: cryotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
What effective strategies can we implement to protect ourselves from skin cancer?
To effectively protect yourself from skin cancer, focus on sun protection measures like staying in shade, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses, using of broad-spectrum sunscreen with and SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, avoiding tanning beds and limit sun exposure between 10am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest, and maintaining healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking.
SKIN CANCER awareness is crucial for early detection and prevention. By increasing awareness and promoting sun-safe behaviors, we can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and save lives this summer!