Screenings

Smoking and Cancer

Smoking damages nearly every organ in the human body, is linked to at least 10 different cancers and accounts for some 30% of all cancer deaths. And it costs billions of dollars each year. Yet one in four Americans still light up. 

Check out the following websites for excellent information on tobacco and cancer:

• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute

The Facts on Sun and Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More than 1 million people get it each year. When found early, most people with skin cancer can be cured.

By far, the sun causes most skin cancers. However, other things can also cause it:

• Repeated exposure to x-rays.
• Contact with chemicals like coal tar or arsenic.

How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer?

• The best way is to avoid the sun. Try to stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when its rays are strongest.

• Cover up. When you are out in the sun, wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.  Don't forget to keep your neck covered.

• Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Sunscreen keeps out the harmful rays of the sun. Apply it at least 15-30 minutes before going in the sun. Put on more after swimming or sweating.

And remember these points to avoid skin cancer:

• Beware of cloudy days. You can still get burned then.
• The sun's rays can reach through three feet of water. So even though you may feel cool in the water, the sun can still burn you.
• Watch out for the sun in wintertime. Snow reflects sunlight and that can burn you, too.
• Don't use sunlamps, tanning parlors, or tanning pills. They can be just as harmful to your body as the sun.

How Can You Tell If You Have Skin Cancer?

You can't tell for sure. Only your doctor can. See your doctor if:

• A mole changes size, shape, or color.
• There is an unusual growth on your skin.
• Your skin changes color in certain spots.
• A sore won't heal.

Look at your skin. Check moles, spots and birthmarks monthly. Getting too much sun causes other skin problems, such as red, scaly patches. These can also become cancer. See your doctor for this condition, too.

Who Is Likely To Get Skin Cancer?

People who sunburn easily, have fair skin, or have red or blond hair get skin cancer most often. It is less common in people with black or deep brown skin. However, anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun can get skin cancer.

Ninety percent of skin cancers occur on the parts of the body not usually covered with clothing - the face, hands, forearms, and ears. People trying to get tans also get skin cancer on the shoulders, back, chest, or legs.

Remember, protect yourself from the sun, and you'll protect yourself from skin cancer.

Screenings for the Public

March - Special programs available for colorectal screening. For information, contact Nila Saliba, 434.243.9217 or ns7e@virginia.edu.

April - Free head and neck screenings. For information, contact Ellen Desper, 434.924.5141 or edd5h@virginia.edu.

May - Free skin cancer screenings are held in May each year.  For information, contact Nila Saliba at 434.243.9217 or ns7e@virginia.edu.

September - Free prostate cancer screenings are held during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.  For information, contact Nila Saliba at 434.243.9217 or ns7e@virginia.edu.

Breast Cancer Screening - The Every Woman's Life Program provides free screening to women who qualify (based on income and age).  For more information, contact Shannon Grady at 434.243.9782 or sag2j@virginia.edu.