The SPF 90 Team - established in 2006 as an outreach and education program of the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute - highlights the importance of early detection of skin cancer. The acronym SPF 90 represents Skin Protection Force, with 90 representing the percentage of skin cancer that is curable with early detection.
Dr. Marcus Tan, assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and a surgical oncologist at the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, is a member of the SPF 90 Team. According to Dr. Tan, the incidence of melanoma in the United States is rising more rapidly than for virtually any other cancer. “In fact, one in every 55 individuals will develop melanoma.”
There are several risk factors to consider when diagnosing melanoma including family history of melanoma, prior melanoma, multiple pigmented skin lesions and some rare genetic syndromes. In addition, extensive or severe sun exposure -- especially bad sunburns -- may also contribute to the development of this cancer.
Melanoma is a deadly disease but for patients whose melanoma is diagnosed early, the cure rate is relatively high. According to Dr. Tan, the affected patients trend a 5-year survival greater than 90%. “However, if the melanoma has spread to lymph nodes, the survival rate is roughly halved,” he said. “When the cancer has spread to distant organs, then survival is less than 10%.”
Dr. Tan stresses that regular skin exams are an important part of everyone's health check-ups.
For a successful self-exam, it is crucial to know what to look for. Lesions suspicious for melanoma usually have a combination of the "ABCDEs of Melanoma":
● A - Asymmetry
● B - irregular Borders
● C - variable Color (pigmentation)
● D- Diameter greater than 1/4 inch
● E - Expanding (growing) skin lesion
Free parking will be available at the Civic Center parking lot. To view a map of the Civic Center, click here.
For more information on the Azalea Trail Run Health and Fitness Expo, click here.
USA Health and Dental Plan members who are unable to attend the Azalea Trail Run will have the opportunity for a free skin screening on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the new clinic at the University Commons. To schedule an appointment, call 660-5787.
