Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, affecting one in five Americans by the age of 70. There is good news, though! Even for melanoma, the worst form of skin cancer, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent if caught early.Coffey Health System welcomes the public to learn more about recognizing skin cancer during a Lunch & Learn presentation on Friday, May 2, at Coffey County Hospital in Burlington. This free event begins at noon. Seating is limited, so register today at (620) 364-4507 or click here to register online.
Coffey Health System Nurse Practitioner Ashley Beying will cover how to identify concerning skin lesions, the ABCDEs of skin cancer, and sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn't heal, or a change in a mole.
“Applying sunscreen regularly will help you avoid skin cancer, but generations of Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers grew up spending all day in the sun before the protection of sunscreen came along, and that long-term damage can still manifest itself,” said Coffey Health System Director of Marketing Tracy Jones. “Certain professions are also a risk, including farmers and ranchers who are exposed to sun damage by being outside year-round.”
While anyone can get skin cancer, certain characteristics put you at higher risk. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, risk factors include lighter natural skin color; skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun; blue or green eyes; blond or red hair; certain types and a large number of moles; a history of sunburns or tanning; family or personal history of skin cancer; and older age.
The Lunch and Learn series is a community service of Coffey Health System.