Skin Cancer 101

Of course, this is a very important topic to me. I want to share all I know so that maybe I can make a difference in someone's life. That difference meaning prevention of or early detection of malignant melanoma to decrease mortality. I took much of the following literature from my own graduate research project.

Cancer:

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 9.8 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their life (American Cancer Society, 2008). In 2004, 1,342,126 people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States, and 553,880 died of their cancers (Centers for Disease Control, 2008). One third of these deaths are attributed to suboptimal diet and physical activity practices. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active throughout life, and consuming a healthy diet can substantially reduce the lifetime risk of developing cancer, as well as influence overall health and survival after a cancer diagnosis (American Cancer Society, 2008).

Melanoma: Just the Facts

It is now the most common type of cancer, with approximately 1.3 million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008 there will be 62,480 new cases of melanoma in this country and approximately 8,420 people will die of this disease this year

One American dies of melanoma almost every hour and more than seventy five percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.

The survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early (before it has reached the lymph nodes) is about 99 percent. The survival rate falls to 15 percent for those with advanced disease.

Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for young adults 15-29 years old.

The incidence of melanoma is increasing at a faster rate than that of any other type of cancer.

About 65 percent of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in the United States.

Prevention Tips:

Avoid being outdoors for prolonged periods, especially in the middle of the day, 10 am – 4 pm

Protect your skin with clothing, including hats with a brim

Use Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF of 15+ every day

Wear Sunglasses regularly

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

Check suspicious moles regularly

Children need extra protection

Can't Get Enough Hummus!

I have been a huge fan of hummus since my first introduction to this wonderful food way back when I took a trip to see my sister in the United Arab Emirates. I have done a lot of experimenting with different spices and flavors and have found my true favorite to date. This is a double recipe b/c I like to have a lot on hand.

4 cups prepared chick peas (you can use canned if you prefer, just rinse before using to remove excess sodium)

1 whole head of roasted garlic (cut top of head off, place garlic in tin foil, drizzle with olive oil, wrap tightly and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until garlic is soft. The cloves will be soft and pull right out of the skins)

1/2 cup diced kalamata olives

6 T. fresh squeezed lemon juice

Lemon Zest from 1 lemon

1/2 cup filtered water

6 T. Tahini

Olive Oil

1 jalapeno diced (seeded and veined to diminish heat)

Spices to taste can include cumin, red pepper flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper - i just sprinkle in until it tastes good!

Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. As it is blending, drizzle in some olive oil to enhance the flavors and consistency.

You can play with the amount of olives, garlic, lemon juice/zest and spices to make it according to your own taste.

I love to eat this on toast, sandwiches, crackers and veggies!