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Student Wellness Promotion is dedicated to raising
awareness about cancer risk, specifically for the
following types of cancer:
Skin Cancer Prevention
Many students do not fully realize their
risk for skin cancer and as a result, often don’t take
enough precautions to protect their skin. Not wearing
sunscreen consistently, use of tanning beds and spending
too much time in the sun all contribute to your risk for
cancer as well as premature wrinkling of the skin.
According to the 2006 USC National College Health Assessment, 16.1% of our college students reported using sunscreen daily. Campus Wellness Promotion is committed to educating our students on the importance of preventing this particular form of cancer.
The ABCDE Rule
This is a early detection tool that can improve early diagnosis for the treatment of melanoma.
A - Asymmetry
B - Border
C - Color
D - Diameter
E - Evolving or changing
Prevention tips
1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
2. Do not burn.
3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
4. Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
5. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
6. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
7. See your physician every year for a profesisonal skin exam.
Indoor Tanning
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services. New high-pressure sunlamps emit doses of UVR that can be as much as 12 times that of the sun. Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent. People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
Three types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (most common), squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma (most fatal).
Resources
To rate your sun safety knowledge, take this quick
survey through the American Dermatology Academy. You can
get your personal sun safety grade as well as
personalized information about protecting yourself. You
can also see answers to a true/false quiz that addresses
myths and facts about sun exposure, risk and safety:
http://staff.aad.org/raysyourgrade/
The Mayo Clinic is an excellent source for
up-to-date health information on all health topics.
For information about skin cancer, including types
of skin cancer, signs/symptoms, prevention tips and
treatment see:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190
The American Cancer Society also provides a wealth
of information about skin cancer. Please visit them
at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SPC/content/SPC_1_Skin_Cancer_Protection_and_Detection_Feature.asp
The American Cancer Society publishes the most
recent cancer statistics at:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/stt/stt_0.asp
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