Tag: Cancer prevention

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FEBRUARY 2022

Exposing skin cancer

What’s the #1 cancer diagnosis among Costco employees and their family members? Skin cancer.1 Roughly one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives,2 and it can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. The good news is that skin cancer is treatable and, in most cases, preventable. Avoid sun exposure, stay away from tanning beds, wear sunscreen and learn to do a skin self-exam to spot signs of cancer early.

Doctors recommend doing a skin cancer self-exam about once a month. The best time is right after your shower or bath. If you see something new, changing or unusual, get checked by a dermatologist right away. It could be skin cancer.

1Skin cancer diagnosis January 2021–June 2021 among employees and their family members covered by a Costco medical plan through Aetna®.

2Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics.

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How to perform a skin self-exam 

Examine your body in a full-length mirror.

Examine your body (front and back) in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

Look at your underarms, forearms and palms.

Bend elbows and look carefully at underarms, forearms and palms.

Look at your legs, between toes and the soles of your feet.

Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp.

Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.

Use a hand mirror to check your back and buttocks.

Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association. Detect skin cancer: how to perform a skin cancer self-exam.

 

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Quit tobacco with these tips

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FEBRUARY 2021

Go tobacco-free in 2021

Kicking the habit is tough, but there’s more help for you than ever before.
by Linda R. Bernstein

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Almost 35 million American adults use tobacco – and thousands of young people pick up this addicting and dangerous habit every day. If you use tobacco, including vaping, it’s time to take steps so that you can start 2021 tobacco-free.

Why quit?

Tobacco is responsible for nearly one in five deaths annually in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco hurts nearly every part of the body and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.

It can increase the risk of emphysema and other breathing disorders, and can cause bone, teeth and gum, vision, arthritis and immune problems as well as Type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. It can also affect pregnancy, fertility and babies’ health.

Why is quitting so tough?

Nicotine, naturally found in tobacco, is very addictive, so it may take several tries to quit smoking. Withdrawal symptoms may include depression, feeling angry or irritable, anxiety, cravings for tobacco products and feeling hungrier than usual with resultant weight gain.

Ways to quit tobacco

There are several ways to quit smoking, including talking to a health care provider, group or individual counseling, and other forms of therapy.

Nicotine replacement products help you reduce your nicotine dose over time and avoid the other toxic ingredients of cigarettes. These products are available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription from your doctor. OTC nicotine replacement products come in the form of a patch, gum or lozenge.

Prescription nicotine comes as a patch, inhaler or nasal spray. Prescription non-nicotine medications used to help quit smoking include bupropion SR and varenicline tartrate, and are in tablet form. The products vary in cost.

Ask your health care provider and/or pharmacist before use to see if a tobacco cessation product is right for you, especially if you have other medical conditions. These products may cause side effects, so report any unusual reactions to your health care provider. Pregnant women may be advised against use.

Useful information for people who want to quit smoking can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Start off the new year in the best way possible. Make a pledge to become tobacco-free in 2021.

Linda R. Bernstein, Pharm.D., is president and CEO of Vita Media Corporation, a medical communications company.

Story originally published in Costco Connection’s December 2019 issue.

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When to schedule a cancer screening

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FEBRUARY 2021

When to Schedule a Cancer Screening

Screenings are critical for early detection of cancer. When should you start getting screened? The answer depends on your age, lifestyle and history of cancer in your family. It’s important to follow recommendations for screening tests because when cancer is found early, it is most likely treatable.

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Recommended Screenings

PAP & HPV TEST
MOLE & SKIN CHECKS
MAMMOGRAM
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
POSTATE EXAM

Sources: Mofit Cancer Center

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How to safely soak up the sun

SUNSCREEN 101:

FEBRUARY 2021

We’ve got you fully covered

One of the leading causes of skin cancer is the lack of using sunscreen. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and having five or more sunburns can increase your risk of developing melanoma.

By protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, you can lower your risk of skin cancer. Here’s how you can soak up the sun — in the safest way possible.

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Sunscreen isn’t just for summer

Did you know that even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the UV rays can penetrate the skin? And that snow, sand and water can also cause sun damage by reflecting UV rays? No matter the weather forecast, it’s important to wear sunscreen whenever you plan on heading outside.

Think more is more

Make sure to apply sunscreen anywhere that clothing doesn’t cover. The recommended amount of sunscreen for adults is about one ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — for the entire body.

Time it out

Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside.

Cover the forget-me-spots

The easiest spots to miss are also the easiest ones to burn. Don’t forget to apply (and reapply!) sunscreen to the tops of the feet, neck, ears, and top of the head. Your lips can also burn, so apply a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or more.

Reapply often

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Check the expiration

Follow the expiration date listed on the sunscreen. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it’s been exposed to high temperatures.

Sources: skincancer.org, CDC, aad.org