Caring for
patients that have undergone surgery for skin cancer is becoming more
common. Skin cancer has been on the rise
for the last 15 years. According to
doctors, this could be a result of societal pressure, and the pressures put on
younger people to look a certain way. The group that is seeing a significant increase in skin cancer cases is
in young women ages 20-30.
An Example of a Patient With Skin Cancer
This is not
based on a factual person.
Ashely is a 27
year old female that considered herself to be the picture of health. She played sports, and practiced cheerleading,
was prom queen at her high school, the list goes on. Ashley wanted to be a fashion designer, and
attended college to pursue her interest.
Ashley also wanted to model, and over the years had done a few
commercials since her early teens.
Something else Ashley did since her early teens was to visit a tanning
bed, and lie out in the sun. Her mom
thought the safety of tanning beds was much better than the actual sun, so she
was fine with allowing Ashley to tan.
At age 24,
Ashley landed a job as a fashion designer, and at age 25 Ashley had to give up
her job, as she was suffering the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Ashley had to move back home so her mom could
care for her. According to Ashley's
oncologist, her skin cancer is a direct result of her tanning. There is hope that Ashley can beat the
cancer; however, her skin will remain damaged for life.
This is a very
typical scenario, according to doctors, young people are risk takers, and
assume it will never happen to them. Unfortunately, they are wrong.
Caring for Skin Cancer Patients
Skin cancer
patients that are hospitalized have most likely undergone surgery, chemo, and
possibly radiation. If a patient has
undergone radiation, their skin may be burned and in pain. Depending on the
area of the body this has occurred, it could be very uncomfortable. A lidocaine solution may be beneficial, in
addition to oral pain medications.
Radiation therapy can lower immunity, especially if combined with
chemotherapy, so it is important to visually inspect skin that has received
radiation therapy. The skin can break
down easier after radiation treatments, and sores could develop, creating the
opportunity for infection.
When a patient
is being discharged and will care for themselves or family members will care
for them, the procedure to provide home care will involve discharge instructions. Some non-prescription supplies that are
beneficial for skin treatments are Aloe Vera gel, however, be sure it is not
the version that contains added ingredients.
For very sore skin, an antibiotic ointment with a pain reliever can
help. Patients should be advised to
check the skin for wounds or severe burns.
Skin cancer
patients should follow a healthy diet and follow doctors orders on lifestyle
recommendations.
Skin Cancer Statistics
|
New Cases Per 1
State
|
|
1990
|
2016
|
Up/Down
|
|
Reported
|
Skin Cancer
|
119600
|
139900
|
Up
|
|
Reported
|
Lung Cancer
|
144000
|
126000
|
Down
|
|
Reported
|
Breast Cancer
|
88000
|
87500
|
Down
|
|
Reported
|
Liver Cancer
|
3900
|
2400
|
Down
|
|
Reported
|
Pancreatic
|
1600
|
2900
|
Up
|
Scientist
conducting the study say that they believe the lung cancer is down due to
anti-smoking campaigns. They contribute
the increase in skin cancer directly to the ultra violet exposure.
Skin Cancer Types
There is
research done on a continuing basis of all forms of cancer, skin cancer
included. It is important to note, that
not all skin cancer occurs from sun exposure.
Melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, often
develops in places that the sun would not reach. Toes are a good example, that seems to be a
more common area of the body for melanoma to develop. Because this is a deadly form of cancer if
not caught early, it's imperative that skin be checked regularly by a doctor,
for anyone over the age of 50. Keeping a
watch on moles is often what saves lives.
Any changes in a mole, or any abnormality on the body should always be
checked out, to rule out a serious condition.
When caught in
the early stages, melanoma can be removed and treated; otherwise, this form of
cancer can be deadly. Types of cancer grow
and spread differently, basal cell is a very common type of cancer that often
appears on the face. This form of cancer
usually is very slow growing, and does not typically spread for quite some
time. Doctors can remove basal cell skin
cancer in most cases, however, if it has been present for some time, it can
develop deep roots, which lead to a large scar after removal.
The real key
to avoiding skin cancer is to limit time in the sun and tanning beds, and have
your primary care doctor check skin regularly.
Related: International Nurses Association
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