● Basal cells are found in the lowest part of the epidermis, in the basal layer (also known as the stratum germinativum). These cells regularly divide to form new cells that replace squamous cells that shed from the top layer of the skin. Eventually, basal cells become squamous cells as they move from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the top. Skin cancer that begins in the basal layer is referred to as basal cell carcinoma (American Cancer Society, n.d.a.). ● Melanocytes are responsible for creating the brown pigment in our skin called melanin, which is what gives skin its tan or brown coloring, whether naturally or
through UV exposure. Melanin is our body’s natural protector from sun exposure. It protects the deepest layers of our skin from damage caused by the sun’s harmful effects. Skin cancer that starts in melanocytes is called melanoma (American Cancer Society, n.d.a.). If skin cancer is left unnoticed or untreated, as it becomes more advanced, it can grow past the barrier between the epidermis and dermis, growing into the deepest layers of the skin. As it grows without stopping, skin cancer can metastasize and spread to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system.
PART 3: HOW TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER
Safe sun habits and routine skin checks are essential for preventing skin cancer and catching suspicious spots early, before they become serious. Just as important is building Safe sun habits Practicing safe sun habits like wearing SPF daily is essential to every client’s home care regimen. UV rays penetrate the skin whether the sun is shining or hidden by clouds, and they can pass through glass or reflect off snow, water, and sand. Damage builds up over time—from daily activities. Practicing consistent sun-safe habits is essential for reducing skin cancer risk. Sun safety recommendations include: ● Seek shade when the sun’s UV rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. ● Avoid becoming sunburned . ● Properly cover the skin with clothing, UV blocking sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats. UV-blocking Regular skin checks Practicing sun safety is not enough to prevent skin cancer. Encourage your clients to perform monthly self-skin examinations from head to toe, including areas not typically exposed to sunshine. Advise them to see a dermatologist once a year for a skin exam, as they are key to early detection.
awareness—understanding what pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions look like so you can recognize changes in the skin right away.
clothing is also available in a variety of styles (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.a.). ● Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds, opting for healthier faux tanning options like self-tanners. ● Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB) with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.a.). ● Apply the proper amount of sunscreen . Use one ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen for the entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.a.). If skin cancer is caught in the early stages, it can be treated with little or no scarring, and the odds of eliminating it entirely remain high. Many times, the doctor may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage, before it becomes a full-blown skin cancer or penetrates below the surface of the skin (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.b.).
PART 4: MOST COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER: PRE-CANCEROUS AND CANCEROUS LESIONS
This section reviews common pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions that cosmetologists may encounter, including how to identify, treat, and refer clients appropriately. Pre-cancerous lesions Actinic Keratosis (AK). This is the most common pre-cancer caused by chronic UV exposure or indoor tanning. AK increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma if untreated. Often felt more than seen, AK appears as rough, scaly, or crusty patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, hands, and lips. Colors range from pink to brown, Cancerous lesions Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) . The most diagnosed skin cancer, it is slow-growing and highly treatable when detected early. Appears as shiny bumps, red patches, open sores, or pigmented lesions on sun-exposed areas. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) Develops from AK or UV damage, appearing as thick, scaly patches or sores on sun-exposed skin. Early detection makes it mostly curable.
sometimes forming raised bumps or persistent peeling on lips. Treatments include topical medications, chemical peels, freezing, scraping, laser, or photodynamic therapy (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.c.).
Treatments include surgery, topical therapy, laser, radiation, or photodynamic therapy (American Cancer Society, n.d.b.; Cleveland Clinic, n.d.).
Treatments are similar to BCC (Skin Cancer Foundation, n.d.d.).
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