29
Nov
Did you know that we have two “official” chances each year to remember skin cancer?
Yep, that’s right. May is “Skin Cancer Awareness Month,” and September is “National Skin Cancer Awareness Month”! We don’t know why, but we are glad to bring more attention to this important skin condition.
As summer winds down, September is a perfect time to remind yourself of the risks of sun damage to your skin and to learn about other skin conditions that could lead to malignant or cancerous growths.
Skin cancer is common, and fortunately, it’s also highly treatable as long as it is caught early. Join us as we review the basics of skin cancer and focus on how to help those affected by it.
How common is skin cancer?
Squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma are among the most common non-melanoma skin cancers in the United States. As many as 5.4 million cases of skin cancer are identified each year. To put that in perspective, there will be an estimated 2 million cancers of all other types in the United States this year. This means that there are over 2.5 times more non-melanoma skin cancers than all other cancers combined. An average American has a 20% chance of developing a non-melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, non-melanoma skin cancer deaths are uncommon as long as it is treated promptly.
Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 200,000 diagnoses expected in the United States this year. Melanoma is generally more serious and is among the deadliest forms of skin cancer. Again, early detection is paramount, as early melanomas are often easily treated in the office setting and may not require more extensive surgeries or chemotherapy.
What causes skin cancer?
Most skin cancers develop because of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or elsewhere. Most solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere; however, UV rays that reach our planet’s surface bombard our skin with harmful radiation and cause DNA damage in our skin cells. Too much sun exposure causes our skin cells to change in unpredictable ways. Sometimes, they die, causing sunburn and peeling; at other times, they change color or even mutate into marks on our skin, like freckles, moles, or other growths. On occasions, those mutations lead to malignancy.
In addition to external stimuli, skin cancer can result from a genetic predisposition. We know that individuals with fair skin, who burn easily, or who have a family history of skin cancer are at additional risk for skin cancer. Weakened immune systems and other rare genetic disorders can also result in higher skin cancer risk.
How can I support skin cancer victims?
Like all cancer victims, skin cancer victims need your support. One of the best ways to help is to learn more about skin cancer, its causes, and its symptoms. Read up on skin cancer on our website, learn about skin cancer treatment options, and give your loved ones with skin cancer the care and support they need. Cancer can be frightening and lonely, so remember to be there for your loved ones as they work through their diagnoses and treatment plans.
Assess your skin health with Clarity Dermatology
At Clarity Dermatology, we pride ourselves on offering our patients the best skin care treatments possible. We serve the wider Denver area, including Castle Rock, Parker, Denver Tech Center, Boulder, Niwot, and Fort Collins. If you suspect that you have skin cancer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and set up a consultation. Call us at (720) 686-7546.
Dr. Hannah Pederson, MD
Hannah Pederson, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist passionate about all areas of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She attended the Colorado School of Mines and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. She attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine for medical school and completed her dermatology residency at Baylor Scott and White Health in Temple, Texas.Dr. Pederson is passionate about skin cancer prevention and has volunteered with the Colorado Skin Cancer Task Force. She had also received a grant from the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Dr. J. Daniel Jensen, MD
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J. Daniel Jensen, MD is fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and specializes in vein disease treatment.
Dr. Jensen attended Brigham Young University where he studied Biochemistry and Portuguese and graduated with University Honors before attending the University of Colorado for medical school. After medical school, he completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Jensen was then selected for a prestigious one-year fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California.
He has participated in numerous clinical trials, published many articles, book chapters, and research abstracts/posters, and presented his research at national and international meetings. Dr. Jensen has also served as past President of the Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Tracy Haines, MD
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Tracy Haines, MD graduated from the University of Austin, Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She completed her dermatology residency at Wayne State University, Michigan, and then moved to Colorado to work as a dermatologist. Dr. Haines is board-certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Haines is also a talented artist, and displays her art at our DTC location. All three are board-certified dermatologists committed to integrity, teamwork, and compassionate and individualized care for every patient.
Teagan Hagler, Licensed Esthetician
Teagan Hagler is a licensed esthetician with a passion for personalized skincare. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her practice, specializing in treatments such as MiraDry, Emsculpt Neo, CoolSculpting, and microneedling. Teagan is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and restoring skin health through tailored care. Her approachable nature and meticulous attention to detail build trust and foster lasting relationships with her clients. Outside of work, Teagan cherishes time with family and friends, embodying mindfulness and meaningful connections, which she integrates into her holistic approach to patient care.
