Focus on Skin Cancer from the Aesthetician’s Point of View

Melanoma, possibly the most serious form of skin cancer, is the number one enemy for aestheticians and medical spas, a clinician owes it to herself and her clients to be knowledgeable of the disease. Over the past several years there has been a steady increase in incidents of melanoma. In fact I the years from 1995 to 2004 there was a one percent increase, in contract to the steady decline in overall cancer rates. Dermatologists and other health care professionals are looking for a cure, but have yet to find one. All forms of cancer are bad, but melanoma, when acquired, has fewer options than many. Removal of the tumor in the early stages is the second best cure, prevention is the best.

Generally, an individual's risk for developing melanoma depends on two groups of factors: intrinsic and environmental.[11] "Intrinsic" factors are generally an individual's family history and inherited genotype, while the most relevant environmental factor is sun exposure.

Studies suggest that ultraviolet radiation exposure, or intense sunlight, is a major contributor to development of this deadly form of skin cancer. UV radiation can damage the DNA of the cells of the skin. This creates mutations in the genes of the cell. When the cell divides the mutations duplicate themselves in new generations of mutations. This can lead to uncontrolled growth, tumor formation, and cancer which if untreated can lead to death. Those who work outside and are chronically exposed to the sun often develop natural protective mechanisms in the body. However, the back in men and the legs in women tend to be areas of concern. In addition to the sun having a link, sun beds with deeply penetrating UV radiation is linked to skin cancer development, including melanoma. Those people who are fair skinned or have red hair seem to be at more risk as are those who have a family history of melanoma.

Suggest to your clients that they take steps to prevent melanoma and other types of skin cancer. This can include wearing a high intensity sun block when exposed to the sun, wearing wide brimmed hats, and keeping the back, arms and legs covered as much as possible. In our sun worshipper culture this might not be popular advice, but if the dangers of this deadly disease are properly explained, some of your clients will take heed and you may save a life.