What Is The Value Of Education When It Comes To Skin Cancer?

This article was previously published on Dr. James Goydos' Medium.

The value of an education is one, which, despite rising tuition costs, is priceless. It may seem like a cliché, but those statements that are so considered are often overstated for a reason: they are relevant. Quality education helps increase one’s access to diverse topics, people, and points of view, all essential to critical thinking. In a world that becomes more complex by the day, this skill cannot be overstated. Education, and the ability to think critically are both investsments which will always pay dividends.

Things are rarely linear, and the ability to think outside of the box is essential. When it comes to cancer care, this is an especially important asset. Cancer does not come with a rule book with clearly defined steps for how to diagnose, treat, or truly understand it. The same is true for understanding how to prevent cancer. However, raising awareness and educating yourself is one way to demystify its dynamics. Skin cancer is no exception.

"Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting humans and is one of the most preventable types of cancer through education and public awareness." - Dr. James Goydos

Furthermore, skin cancer, like almost all cancers, is curable if caught early enough and because most skin cancers are easily identifiable on the surface of the skin, it is the most common cancer to be identified by the patient themselves at early stages. This is one of the many reasons why skin screenings are so important.

The main goal of community skin screenings is not to find skin cancers at the time of the screening (though I have from time to time), but to identify people with skin changes and family history that makes them prone to developing skin cancers in the future. Those patients are then referred to a local dermatologist for regular screening visits.

Monitoring the skin is essential. The more you monitor, the more likely you are to identify problematic skin lesions or skin cancer. Educate yourself on the ABCDE’s of melanoma, and the signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). These are helpful to remember, as they can help detection.

Early detection can help to increase options for treatment, and subsequently improve long-term survival rates. In addition to attending your normal appointments, it is recommended to conduct self-exams in the interim, at least once a month. Depending on your history of cancer and any conditions which may predispose you to develop skin cancer, you may need to do checks more frequently. Conducting regular skin checks is essential to help increase the chances of early detection. Post-pandemic, however, oncologists are seeing a decrease in regular cancer screenings.

Self-checks on the skin are not meant to replace proper review and diagnosis by a medical professional. A patient should have regular cancer screening by a doctor, in addition to conducting their monthly skin checks. Any irregularities that you observe during your self-checks can then be brought to your doctor's attention at your next appointment. One should consider getting a skin cancer screening at least once a year, if not more frequently, depending on one's health needs. Certain factors such as fair skin, light eyes, and a genetic predisposition for skin cancer can increase one's chances of developing cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, or other forms of skin cancer.

With that said, a predisposition or risk factor does not mean one cannot influence their health outcomes. Incorporating healthy skin care practices into one's routine, including applying sunscreen, staying indoors during peak UV, wearing UV protective clothing, and getting regular skin exams are some of the many steps one can take to be more mindful of their skin health.

While early detection of cancer is an important factor in improved health outcomes, prevention is also important consideration. You can take measures to help prevent skin cancer by adding simple actions to your daily routine. Wearing protective clothing when out in the sun, seeking shade where possible, and wearing sunscreen are all easy ways to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, one of the leading causes of skin cancers.

Cancer and cancer research unites us all. With increasesEducation and awareness are both powerful tools. They can help us have more agency over our own health. In a time when this is under threat, learning how you can take your health into your own hands may be your best defense.

About Dr. James Goydos

Dr. James Goydos is an expert in melanoma research and specialist in surgical oncology with an M.D. from Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience as a Professor, Surgeon, and Clinical Trial Lead, he is a leading expert in his field.

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