Texas Oncology Urges Texans to 'Save ...( Outsmart the Sun an...),Health

Outsmart the Sun and Prevent Skin Cancer

HOUSTON, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that school is out and the first day of summer is upon us, the cancer care experts at Texas Oncology remind Texans to "save your skin" by outsmarting the sun when spending time outdoors. Although the most prevalent cancer in the United States today, skin cancer is also the most preventable. The majority of the more than 1 million annual U.S. cases of skin cancer are sun-related.

"The skin is the largest organ in the body and should not be taken for granted. In states like Texas where sun exposure can be intense for many months, we can take an active role in preventing skin cancer," said Dr. Meghana Bhandari, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology. "Melanoma can be deadly, but it is curable if diagnosed early and has not spread to other parts of the body."

Nationally, melanoma, the most deadly of all skin cancers, will account for more than 60,000 cases of skin cancer in 2008 and more than 8,400 of the more than 11,000 skin cancer deaths during that time. Texas ranks third in the nation for incidence of malignant melanoma, and one in three Texans will develop skin cancer in his or her life.

"Prevention starts by knowing what the risk factors are and taking measures to protect against ultraviolet rays," said Texas Oncology's Bhandari. "In addition, because early detection leads to higher survival rates, you should be mindful of changes in your skin and have them examined by a physician."

People with fair skin or who are outdoors frequently are at higher risk. For example, people who work outdoors are susceptible to high exposure to ultraviolet rays. Parents should also remember that even children need protection at a young age from the sun.

However, everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer and should take precautions. In fact, approximately 7 percent of all skin cancer cases occur in patients of Hispanic, African-American, Asi
'/>"/>