Here are the highlights from my presentation at the Rotary Lunch on April 19:
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America (1 in 5 will have it)
- UV exposure is the greatest risk (sun, tanning beds)
- Sun damage is cumulative so protect children and grand children; there is a rise in skin cancer among younger people (25-29).
- Chemical sun blocks should be applied at least 20 minutes before venturing into the sun and every hour after that
- Very treatable when caught early
- Reconstruction needs are also much less
- Many different treatment options with surgical excision as the gold standard
- If you get skin cancer, you need to be seen at least yearly by a trained physician and sometimes more frequently (50% chance of having a recurrence)
W. Marshall Guy, MD
Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon