Susan Lucy: "Basal Cell Carcinoma Affects Approximately One Million Americans Each Year"
Posted by Sun Safety Alliance at 7:33 AM
Susan Lucy, is a beach body coach. She loves to work out, eat healthy, and stay fit. Susan is a mom. She is a blogger, a tweeter...
Susan has skin cancer.
Read her story about being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma.
Sun - Friend or Foe???
by
When I was a teen, I, like most girls my age, liked to go to the beach and lie in sun. I am very fair-skinned but do tan well but I certainly have had my share of sunburns as a youth. I never ever thought at 41, I would be diagnosed with skin cancer.
Now, I don't have the really bad kind - melonoma. I have Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting approximately one million Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (top skin layer).
I am very good about going to the Dermatologist. My grandfather did die of Melonoma at 50 and I have a lot of moles and freckles. So once a year, I subject myself to a full body scan by my Dermatologist. I have had a few mysterious looking moles taken off but all in all, I get a clean bill of health and the "wear suncreen and I will see you next spring" speech. This time though, I had two red patches on my right shoulder and back that I had noticed over the winter and thought they were most likely eczema. When my dermatologist told me that she didn't like the look of them and wanted to biopsy, I knew they were probably cancer or at least pre-cancerous. When I called the office for results and they told me that the doctor would call me back, I really knew. That is never a good sign.
Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. However, people who are at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes. Those most often affected are older people, but as the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of patients at onset has steadily decreased. The disease is rarely seen in children, but occasionally a teenager is affected. Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer. Men with basal cell carcinoma have outnumbered women with the disease, but more women are getting basal cell carcinomas than in the past.
Basal cell carcinomas are easily treated in their early stages. Although this skin cancer seldom spreads, or metastasizes, to vital organs, it can damage surrounding tissue, sometimes causing considerable destruction and disfigurement — and some basal cell carcinomas are more aggressive than others.
I have two options for treatment:
EXCISIONAL SURGERY
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the physician uses a scalpel to remove the entire growth along with a surrounding border of normal skin as a safety margin. The skin around the surgical site is then closed with a number of stitches, and the excised tissue is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination to verify that all the malignant cells have been removed. The effectiveness of the technique produces cure rates around 90 percent.
CURETTAGE AND ELECTRODESICCATION
Using local anesthesia, the physician scrapes off the cancerous growth with a curette (a sharp, ring-shaped instrument). The heat produced by an electrocautery needle destroys residual tumor and controls bleeding. This technique may be repeated twice or more to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated. It can produce cure rates approaching those of surgical excision, but may not be as useful for aggressive basal cell carcinomas or those in high-risk or difficult sites.
Because my cancer is superficial, I am planning on the latter option because the recovery is quicker and I won't need stitches. I still will have two circular scars as opposed to a linear one but I can deal with that. This cancer developed in the last year. Had I not had yearly checkups, I may not have had this option.
People who have had one basal cell carcinoma are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. For the next year, I will have to go back every 3 months to make sure more cancer does not develop in other areas.
I didn't post this note for pity but rather to hopefully educate people about the importance of having yearly skin checks with a dermatologist.
I am also using this as a learning lesson for my kids who give me grief all the time about wearing sunscreen. The damage on me was done years ago. 85% of sun damage is done by the time you are 18 years old. I have taken pictures of my shoulder and back biopsy sites and have talked extensively to them about wearing sunscreen. They have never had a sunburn but as they get older, they are more resistant to my insistence that they apply it every time they go out in the sun. We have a house on Cape Cod so it is virtually impossible for us to stay out of the sun. Hopefully, they will learn from my experience.
Be well,
Susan
Susan will be having her skin cancer removed August 24th, 2009. We wish her the best of luck and will update you as soon as she updates her blog: http://getfitwithsusan.blogspot.com/
Now, I don't have the really bad kind - melonoma. I have Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting approximately one million Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. More than one out of every three new cancers are skin cancers, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis (top skin layer).
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
I am very good about going to the Dermatologist. My grandfather did die of Melonoma at 50 and I have a lot of moles and freckles. So once a year, I subject myself to a full body scan by my Dermatologist. I have had a few mysterious looking moles taken off but all in all, I get a clean bill of health and the "wear suncreen and I will see you next spring" speech. This time though, I had two red patches on my right shoulder and back that I had noticed over the winter and thought they were most likely eczema. When my dermatologist told me that she didn't like the look of them and wanted to biopsy, I knew they were probably cancer or at least pre-cancerous. When I called the office for results and they told me that the doctor would call me back, I really knew. That is never a good sign.
Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop basal cell carcinoma. However, people who are at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes. Those most often affected are older people, but as the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of patients at onset has steadily decreased. The disease is rarely seen in children, but occasionally a teenager is affected. Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer. Men with basal cell carcinoma have outnumbered women with the disease, but more women are getting basal cell carcinomas than in the past.
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Basal cell carcinomas are easily treated in their early stages. Although this skin cancer seldom spreads, or metastasizes, to vital organs, it can damage surrounding tissue, sometimes causing considerable destruction and disfigurement — and some basal cell carcinomas are more aggressive than others.
I have two options for treatment:
EXCISIONAL SURGERY
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the physician uses a scalpel to remove the entire growth along with a surrounding border of normal skin as a safety margin. The skin around the surgical site is then closed with a number of stitches, and the excised tissue is sent to the laboratory for microscopic examination to verify that all the malignant cells have been removed. The effectiveness of the technique produces cure rates around 90 percent.
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
CURETTAGE AND ELECTRODESICCATION
Using local anesthesia, the physician scrapes off the cancerous growth with a curette (a sharp, ring-shaped instrument). The heat produced by an electrocautery needle destroys residual tumor and controls bleeding. This technique may be repeated twice or more to ensure that all cancer cells are eliminated. It can produce cure rates approaching those of surgical excision, but may not be as useful for aggressive basal cell carcinomas or those in high-risk or difficult sites.
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Because my cancer is superficial, I am planning on the latter option because the recovery is quicker and I won't need stitches. I still will have two circular scars as opposed to a linear one but I can deal with that. This cancer developed in the last year. Had I not had yearly checkups, I may not have had this option.
People who have had one basal cell carcinoma are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. For the next year, I will have to go back every 3 months to make sure more cancer does not develop in other areas.
I didn't post this note for pity but rather to hopefully educate people about the importance of having yearly skin checks with a dermatologist.
I am also using this as a learning lesson for my kids who give me grief all the time about wearing sunscreen. The damage on me was done years ago. 85% of sun damage is done by the time you are 18 years old. I have taken pictures of my shoulder and back biopsy sites and have talked extensively to them about wearing sunscreen. They have never had a sunburn but as they get older, they are more resistant to my insistence that they apply it every time they go out in the sun. We have a house on Cape Cod so it is virtually impossible for us to stay out of the sun. Hopefully, they will learn from my experience.
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
Be well,
Susan
 |
| From Sun Safety Alliance Photos |
168 comments:
Nice post about Basal Cell Carcinoma Affects Approximately One Million Americans Each Year, in these days carcinoma is more common and people have to try to be careful with their health for example I spend much money in buying generic viagra only because I need it.
This is a common problem in recent times in the U.S. Thank you for sharing the treatment regarding the same. south florida dermatology
I like all information that you provide in your articles.
phlebotomy certificate
Outstanding blog you guys have preserved there, I totally valuate the effort. Good Relationship With Ten Heads Tall
Im inspired with the exceptional and instructive contents that you provide in such short timing. best android tablet
Your writers are enormously tremendous. Welcome to Astronomie Podcast
Hey eager stuff precise substance your response on
Visit Congress Ticketing
That’s a great site you folks have been carrying out there.More about J Aron Ski
A great website with interesting and unique material what else would you need. mkv video recovery
The stuff in the blogs blows out my mind.
online payday loans
Found your blog excessively interesting indeed. I really enjoyed studying it. online payday loan lenders
If you should be opting for finest contents like me, just visit this blog site daily because it provides the feature contents, thanks.
online payday loan
This blog is down to earth, hats off buds available. LoanWarrior
An unbelievable blog. This blog will indisputably be definitely recommended to my friends as well. Tips by Tina Davis Noble
Your affect is totally appreciative and newsy.
Relationship Issues With Ceu411
These articles and blogs are certainly sufficient for me personally for a day. Tips by Litmus Labs
Hi to everybody, here everyone is sharing such knowledge, so it’s fastidious to see this site, and I used to visit this blog daily. a replacement
The matter that you provide is worth our time and energy. Lounge Five Adviced
Outstanding blog, in my opinion site owners should acquire a great deal out of this blog its very user welcoming.
Get more info about Otgar
I admired your helpful words. Top class contribution. I really hope you’ll write more. I'll continue looking for.
accident claim
Inconceivable points. Sound arguments. Keep going the truly amazing work.
Business Mailing
Wasp dudes! Awesome stuff keep it up.
ppi reclaim
I don’t think many of websites provide this type of information. mis sold ppi
I have sent your articles links to all my contacts and all of them liked it including me as well. online payday loan lenders
Interesting information I haven’t been through such information in a long time.
HGH Supplements
I feel ecstatic I found you website and blogs.
jailbreak 4 iPhone
I need more articles and blogs please post soon.
car insurance rates
I am really appreciating very much by seeing your interesting posts.
is genital warts curable
I love to read and appreciate your work.
name brands
The deep you dig into the subject and give us the accurate data is appreciable.
ecigkits
This blog Info is fabulous; I must wanna see best more from your writers. whole life insurance
You have really done the brilliant work dude!! I’m looking forward for more, hope you will never disappoint me. payday advance
I'd like to take the power of thanking you for that specialized guidance I've constantly enjoyed viewing your blog. PPI Reclaims
This text may be value everyone’s attention. How will I learn more? http://www.accidentclaimsco.org.uk
Thank you so much for such a great blog. payday loans no credit check
Your articles and blogs are inspirational.car insurance rates
I know this is quality based blogs along with other stuff. Sic Pics Photography Tips And Tricks
Your listing are progressing with days dungeon it up guys.
Dot451 Relationships
I dispatched your articles links to all my contacts and they all mate it including me.
Double Scotch Salou Advice
If you should be opting for finest contents like me, just visit this blog site daily because it provides the feature contents, thanks. Physiotherapist in Stalybridge
Great details here, better yet to discover out your blog which is fantastic. Nicely done!!! web counter
These blogs are quite incredible that have provided the best knowledge. click this
I really enjoy while I read your blogs and articles. android market app download
The caliber of information that you're offering is merely wonderful. online e-learning
Thanks guys, for sharing such informative data. ppicalculator
I feel pleasure to read the content that you are posting. PPI
Fantastic work guys im a fan of your website.
Click for Zhgy GJ
The groups not reading your blogs are missing out a lot of caliber material.
Relationship Advice by Workouts by Emily
Im inspired with the exceptional and instructive contents that you provide in such short timing. android google tablet
Great blog you people have maintained there, I totally appreciate the work. Auto insurance rate online
Thanks guys, for sharing such informative data.
no fax cash advance
I am surely coming again for more contents of yours. online payday
I am sure you have a great fan following out there.
PPI Claims
Your work article, blogs I mean over all contents is must read stuff.
ppi compensation claim
I love to read and appreciate your work.
reclaim ppi
I absolutely respect and appreciate your point on each and every object.
PPI
Your work article, blogs I mean over all contents is must read stuff.
mis sold
ppi
Thanks for sharing this information its really nice.
Rank Builder Review Love Tips
Interesting information I haven’t been through such information in a long time.
Visit Brand Message Manager
I constantly emailed this site post page to all my friends, because if prefer to read it then my all friends will too.rooting android
The written piece is truly fruitful for me personally; continue posting these types of articles.
english help online
Hey to everyone, it’s my first visit of the blog site; this blog includes awesome and actually best info for the visitors.
piratage facebook
The information in this blog is extremely useful for the people.Used mobile
Continue the good work; keep posting more n more n more.
online payday loans
Continue the good work; keep posting more n more n more.
web counter
Amazing information in this blog here that is truly glancing over the every aspects of topic. web application architecture
The written piece is truly fruitful for me personally; continue posting these types of articles.
infographics design
Hurrah, that’s what I was trying to get for, just what a stuff Presented at this blog!! Thanks admin of the site. good infographics
Your website is for sure worth bookmarking.social media infographics
Your website is for sure worth bookmarking. infographics design
I'd be trampled if all sites gave articles like these awesome articles.
payday loans online
You have done in fact wonderful work by make such a great blog keep up the good work.
life ins
Thanks to share these details it’s truly nice.good infographics
I want more and more articles and blogs please post soon such informative information. the best weight loss pills
This blog is further than my expectations. Nice work guys!!!
auto insurance quotes comparison
You have done in fact wonderful work by make such a great blog keep up the good work.
affordable whole life insurance
Remarkable blog! I have no words to praise, it has really allured me.
cheap auto insurance
Outstanding blog, in my opinion site owners should acquire a great deal out of this blog its very user welcoming. auto insurance quotes
How fine of you!!!! Really awesome efforts you have shown.
Ivy League tutoring
I’m thrilled I found your website and blogs. Nice guys!!!
online german tutor
Your blogs are absolutely value bountiful time and also endeavor.
disadvantages of solar energy
I guess this blog is perfectly incomparable.
free rp code
Your blogs are easily accessible and quite enlightening so keep doing the amazing work guys.
payday loans online
I have been dotty by reading your blog because it has a unique data.
online cash loan
I'm certainly very happy to read this blog site posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing such information.compare auto insurance rates
Wonderful collection of the posts!! These will be definitely helpful for everyone.
sky customer services
I suppose I've selected an unbelievable and interesting blog. life insurance for seniors
I believe this is actually the most useful blog I've been through this entire day.
visit us
Hurrah, that’s what I was trying to get for, just what a stuff Presented at this blog!! Thanks admin of the site.
soursop and cancer
I suppose I've selected an unbelievable and interesting blog. hacker un compte facebook
I love all details that you give in your articles. hacker un compte facebook
This text may be value everyone’s attention. How will I learn more? credit repair companies
Each time I used to always check blog posts within the first hours in the break of day, because I like to get information increasingly more.
Software House in Hyderabad Pakistan
This blog post is really great; the standard stuff of the post is genuinely amazing. glass pool fencing brisbane
These articles and blogs are truly enough for me for a day. vietnam holiday
You entirely go with our expectation and the range of our information.steam wallet hack
Hello, this is fastidious post I actually loved reading this.
anonymous browsing
Hi I was searching for the blogs for many times, now I have reached at the right place.Click Here
Superb posts with lots of information!!! This is really the most miraculous blog site dude….
vietnam holiday
I’m trampled by your contents carry on the wonderful work.
Gexton Apps
I actually found this blog and that is amazing thing I enjoy reading this easy to understand stuff. Keep it up.bubblegum casting
If you really desire to get such type of information, visit this blog quickly. brooklyn dwi lawyer
Hey to everyone, it’s my first visit of the blog site; this blog includes awesome and actually best info for the visitors.
Your website is terribly informative and your articles are wonderful.
vlc skins
Found your blog excessively interesting indeed. I really enjoyed studying it.vietnam tour
I never ever read such type of info before this was really incredible.
vietnam travel
Quite informative and the interesting blog for everyone, I simply loved it.
free open source ftp client
If truth be told informative and valuable detail is here. bubblegum casting reviews
Whatever you have provided for us in these posts really appreciative.
top home security systems
You have shared the best blog. This is what I really need immediately.
central booking staten island
I would be glad if all WebPages provided such type of best articles.
central booking ny
Your blogs are truly awesome I have no words to praise for your blogs.
central booking staten island
No wonder why you receive countless of feedbacks. ny criminal defense lawyer
A great job you have already done. I’m really delighted to see your amazing work.
site link
I sent your articles links to all my contacts and they all adore it including me. official site
I conclude I haven't understood such particular incomparable contents anywhere added online.
Read Full Report
I’ll never ever miss the chance to read your new blogs. Glittering work guys!!
instant cash advance
If you should be opting for finest contents like me, just visit this blog site daily because it provides the feature contents, thanks.phlebotomy training course
Keep it up!! You have done the nice job having provided the latest information.
source
When I searched the blogs suddenly I saw this one and when I read it, amazing stuff out there that compelled me to comment.
Philips Norelco AT830
Your content shows the power, I’m about to add this to my bookmarks.
sewa mobil
I wonder why different professionals don't take action your website overmuch m happy I got this.
select my shaver reviews
I'd purely tell you all “awesome information”
Best Electric Shaver 2014
Your blogs have allured me a lot. I’ll again visit this great site to get more valuable stuff. Philip Norelco AT830 Review
Unbelievable work man!! Keep your heads high you probably did it. Philips Norelco 1160x Review
It's offensively easy to seek out any matter on web as compared to books, as I found this text at this website.
home security companies
The content on your web site never confuses me. Keep it up!!
home security systems reviews
Your blogs and accretion attracts me to come back once more on your site. luxury Villas Marrakech
Bundles of thanks for providing such kind of blogs with the informative and impressive articles. internet payday loan direct lenders
Found your blog excessively interesting indeed. I really enjoyed studying it. Panasonic ES-LT71-S
Every day I visit a number of blog sites to see content, however this offers quality based content.book a apartment marrakech
How fine of you!!!! Really awesome efforts you have shown. user guides
I feel really finicky reading these articles I mean there are writers that can write reasonable stuff. Philips Norelco AT830
You have done in fact wonderful work by make such a great blog keep up the good work. best electric shaver blog
You posting are wonderful and informative. Medical Negligence
You guys make it really easy for all the folks out there. best watch brands
I was in quest of various topics that are enough well-liked and lastly got your blog, it has outstanding topics with immense popularity.
microskin
Thanks fellow your posts are really very good for me since it make good sense for me.
best home security company
Remarkable site, really a lovely quality, this blog post has touched me much in terms of its great points.home security companies
I had been looking around the best blogs site and now I’m on the right place, pretty wonderful!!
Magento Website Developer
Info is out of this world, I would bang to see more from your writers. best remington electric shavers
First-class website! I really love it!! Thanks for sharing such latest thing with us.
lifestyles of the rich and famous
I constantly emailed this site post page to all my friends, because if prefer to read it then my all friends will too. blog post service
I’m surely coming again to read these articles and blogs one time password
A huge round of applause, keep it up. playground markings
Wasp dudes! Awesome stuff keep it up. umrah packages
Hey buddy! This is the first time that I visit your website and found something great that I never got anywhere, nice efforts!! home security systems
Good article, your all provided information is all right, keep your blogs on- Greets. umrah tours
There is noticeably much to experience this. I believe you made several well points in Features as well. umra packages
I regular come to this site, this blog is truly pleasant and the people are fully sharing excellent thoughts here. High PR blog post service
If truth be told informative and valuable detail is here.pay day loan
Loved your blog page!!!The stuff that you have remarked up here is superbly wonderful and I vigorously thank you for the same...personal loans
This is really quite informative blog such qualitative info I have never seen anywhere.online payday loans in tn
I don’t waste my free time that’s why I read the informative things when I got this blog I really enjoyed reading this.Stargames Book of Ra deluxe
Hey very nice blog!! Man you have done the Amazing efforts to make this blog... I will surely bookmark your blog. Health Insurance Valparaiso Florida
This blog posted at the website is really first-class. It made me happy. Health Insurance Orlando
As a new participant in your blog, I just want to say that all the information you have given here is awesome. Thank you florida health care plan
Enormous one blog! I have got very clear picture of the topic you shared here that’s truly amazing! health insurance quotes for individuals florida
Oh yes!! This was the thing I was searching for, pretty great…. Health Insurance Miami Gardens
Click me for try to the find best christmas lights for outside
the Best Christmas Laser Light Projectors For Exterior Design
10 christmas lights
It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. glass pool fencing brisbane
thank you so much share the blog best secruity is your home
https://topbestreview.hatenablog.com/entry/2019/04/21/195150
Looking forward to reading more. Great blog for schools. Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 NHPC Chamera
Kendriya Vidyalaya No 2 NHPC Chamera
Kendriya Vidyalaya Hamirpur
Kendriya Vidyalaya Nadaun
Kendriya Vidyalaya YOL Cantt
Kendriya Vidyalaya Palampur
Kendriya Vidyalaya Alhilal
Kendriya Vidyalaya Naleti
Kendriya Vidyalaya Dharamshala
Kendriya Vidyalaya Bhanala
Post a Comment