Skin cancer is the most common cancers seen after transplant. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. Transplant patients have a higher risk of skin cancer than other people.
Risk Factors
Lifelong exposure to the sun.
Fair skin has increased risk of occurrence.
History of burns.
Family history of skin cancer.
The medicines you take after transplant to prevent rejection lower your immune system. This is a risk factor of getting skin cancer and increases over time when taking these medicines. Despite this side effect with immune suppression, it is important to take all your medicine as prescribed. Discuss any side effect concerns with your transplant team.
Sunscreen
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in sunscreen is rated by what is in the sunscreen and the amount applied to skin. If you do not apply enough, sunscreen with a SPF of 30 may not work as well as it should. To get full SPF, apply 1 ounce (About a shot glass full) to your entire body.
Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
Limit time spent in the sun.
Make sun shielding or sunscreen part of your daily routine.
Apply a thick coat of sunscreen to all exposed skin 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
Reapply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours that you are in the sun.
Re-apply after swimming or sweating. Even if the sunscreen is water-resistant, some will wash off.
Wear protective clothing that covers the skin. Try UV clothing that blocks both types of UV radiation - Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
Wear wide brim hats, and UV (ultraviolet) blocking sunglasses.
Avoid mid-day sun when the sun’s rays are most intense (10:00 AM-4:00 PM).
Remember that sunburns can occur on cloudy days or from water or snow glare.
Find shade under a tree, umbrella, or other ways when you can.
Use lip balm or cream that has SPF to protects your lips from getting sunburned.
Never go to UV tanning booths.
Remember that certain medicines can make your skin more likely to sunburn.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. Skin cancer usually starts as a growth that changes in color, shape or size.
See your doctor and dermatologist within the first year after transplant. Follow up may then be determined by dermatology.
See your doctor if you notice a suspicious lesion. This includes a non-healing sore, red scaly patch, shiny bump, wart-like growth or irregular shaped mole.
For More Information
www.skincancer.org