Health Screenings

Q:

What is skin cancer?

A:

Skin cancer is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells, often caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. There are different types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Q:

How can I protect myself from skin cancer?

A:

Protecting yourself from skin cancer involves adopting various preventive measures, including:

Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid spending extended periods in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear Protective Clothing: Use wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to cover exposed skin.
Apply Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Seek Shade: Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak UV hours.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial sources of UV radiation can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
Examine Your Skin: Regularly check your skin for any unusual moles or changes and report them to a healthcare professional.

Q:

Who is at risk of developing skin cancer?

A:

While anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase the risk, such as:

UV Exposure: Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources.
Fair Skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at higher risk due to less melanin, which provides natural protection from UV radiation.
Family History: A family history of skin cancer can increase the likelihood of developing it.
Moles: Having numerous or atypical moles can increase the risk.
Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to skin cancer.
Previous Skin Cancer: A history of skin cancer increases the risk of developing new skin cancers.

Q:

Is it important to wear sunscreen on cloudy days?

A:

Yes, it is essential to wear sunscreen on cloudy days as well. Clouds do not block UV rays entirely, and UV radiation can penetrate through cloud cover, leading to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Always apply sunscreen regardless of the weather conditions.

Q:

Can I still get enough vitamin D while protecting myself from the sun?

A:

Yes, it is possible to get enough vitamin D without risking excessive sun exposure. While sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, you can obtain it through other means like vitamin D-rich foods, supplements, or fortified products. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right approach for meeting your vitamin D needs safely.

Q:

How often should I perform skin self-examinations?

A:

Regular self-examinations of your skin are crucial for early detection. Aim to conduct a thorough skin check once a month. Pay attention to changes in moles, new growths, or any unusual skin developments. If you notice anything suspicious, promptly schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Q:

Are there any specific precautions for children?

A:

Yes, children are more susceptible to sunburn and long-term sun damage. Protect them by using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, dressing them in protective clothing, and encouraging them to seek shade during peak UV hours. Keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight and dress them in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Always consult a pediatrician before using sunscreen on infants.

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, but it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer when detected early.

Causes of Testicular Cancer:

The exact cause of testicular cancer is unknown, but there are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing this type of cancer. The most significant risk factors include:

Age: Testicular cancer is more common in young men, typically between the ages of 15 and 35.
Undescended Testicles: Men born with undescended testicles are at higher risk for testicular cancer.
Family History: If a man has a family history of testicular cancer, he is more likely to develop the disease.
Abnormal Testicular Development: Certain conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can increase the risk of testicular cancer.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer:

The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles. Other symptoms may include:

• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in the testicles or scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
• Back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Diagnosis of Testicular Cancer:

If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may recommend further tests. These may include:

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create an image of the testicles, which can help to determine if a lump is cancerous.

Blood tests: These tests can measure levels of certain proteins that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Treatment of Testicular Cancer:

The treatment of testicular cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: The affected testicle is removed surgically, which is known as an orchiectomy.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
• Surveillance: In some cases, the doctor may recommend monitoring the cancer without treatment to see if it grows or spreads.

Prevention of Testicular Cancer:

There is no sure way to prevent testicular cancer, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

• Perform regular self-exams: By performing regular self-exams, you can become familiar with the normal size, shape, and weight of your testicles, which can help you to detect any changes early.
• Get regular checkups: Regular checkups with your doctor can help to detect any abnormalities in your testicles early.
• Protect your testicles: Wear protective gear during sports and other physical activities to protect your testicles from injury.

Although treatable, testicular cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. If you have symptoms of testicular cancer, it is important to see your doctor right away. By taking steps to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer, you can help to protect your health and well-being.

The benefit of regular screening is to catch cancer before symptoms occur. When caught in its earlier stages, prostate cancer is more treatable.

This might make it seem like prostate screening is always a good thing, but there are some issues surrounding screening that make it unclear if the benefits outweigh the risks for most men.

To ensure screening is right for you, look at the risk factors to see if they apply to you and talk with your healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends men make an informed decision with their health care provider on whether to be screened for prostate cancer and when is a good time to start screening.

Consider these ages and factors when determining the best time to start discussion about screening:

• Age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years
• Age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65).
• Age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).

Learn more about the types of prostate cancer screenings by clicking HERE.