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May is the month of skin cancer awareness. Nurses can be key educators for patients – and their families – about the importance of solar safety, as well as other risk factors for melanoma and other skin cancers.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with approximately 8 out of 10 cases being basal cell carcinomas. Although exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most common cause (and the most discussed), nurses should discuss other risk factors with their patients.
Other risks include:
- dyed
- Previous exposure to radiation
- Exposure to chemicals
- Previous diagnosis of skin cancer
- Being older / male
- Have HPV infection
- Smoking
In addition, according to the Dutch cohort study DCOG-LATER, childhood cancer survivors who have lived at least 5 years after diagnosis may be at increased risk of skin cancer compared to the general population.
Look to the front
CHA explained that skin cancer cases are on the rise in the country for a variety of reasons, including better detection, increased sun exposure, and longer life.
The good news is that the field of treatment for skin cancer and melanoma is expanding – and it's important that oncology nurses keep up the pace. Thanks to new types of treatment, such as immunotherapy agents, BRAF inhibitors and MEK and therapeutic combinations, the response rate continues to increase in people with melanoma.
As treatments for these patients continue to grow, it is particularly important that nurses be aware of the adverse events (AEs) that may accompany them, especially as each clbad of drug may have its own unique profile. # 39; EA.
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