Monday, May 21, 2012

Only Half of Americans Know How to Detect Skin Cancer | About ...

In the results of a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, a surprising number of Americans did not know how to detect skin cancer. They were unable to state the basic clues for spotting skin cancer growth.

The survey covered a number of topics relating to skin cancer awareness, including prevalence, tell-tale signs, and the value of early detection. The results of this survey were released along with a new public awareness campaign known as SPOT Skin Cancer. This campaign?s simple slogan (?Prevent. Detect. Live.?) reflects the key focus of the initiative, which is raising the public awareness of skin cancer symptoms and features.

Dr. Daniel M. Siegel, the president of the American Academy of Dermatology, believes that skin cancer is unique among cancers. ?Unlike other types of cancer that can?t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it.?

The AAD?s survey questioned online viewers and discovered that:

  • 47% of Americans did not know the basic signs of skin cancer
  • 30% did not know that early detection of skin cancer yields better treatment results
  • 74% of respondents were unaware that the most common form of cancer in the US is skin cancer

?When it comes to skin cancer, our survey demonstrates that knowledge is power,? states Dr. Siegel. ?The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer? is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.?

According to the AAD, one in five Americans will someday develop skin cancer. This may require treatment through skin cancer removal surgeries. The resulting scarring may also lead to the use of scar revision procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser treatments.

?In some instances,? says Dr. Siegel, ?this knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is so important to see a dermatologist if you notice a spot on your skin that is changing, itching or bleeding.?

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