It's not always easy keeping track of everything you need to consider post-transplant. Did you know, for instance, that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in transplant recipients? Learning your risk factors for skin cancer early and understanding ways to effectively reduce your risk are important for protecting your long-term health.
What are my risks of developing skin cancer?
The anti-rejection medications vital to the success of your transplant also suppress the natural immune defenses in your skin, putting you at higher risk for skin cancer. Be sure to discuss your risk factors for skin cancer with your transplant team. If you haven't done so already, ask them for assistance in developing a plan for skin cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Although your anti-rejection medications can increase your risk for skin cancer, remember that taking them as intended is critical to your health and that of your transplant. If you have concerns about the risks of long-term immunosuppression, talk to your transplant team.
Do not change or stop any of your medications, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
What can I do to help prevent skin cancer?
The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:
- Wear a waterproof, broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when it's cloudy or rainy out. Consider making this part of your daily routine, maybe by applying it immediately after brushing your teeth each morning
- Make sure sunscreen is applied liberally to all parts of your body, especially areas of high sun exposure, such as the back of your neck, tops of your ears, and back of your hands.
- Wear tightly-woven, protective clothing, such as long sleeves, pants, and hats.
- Limit your exposure by avoiding outside activity between 10 AM and 4 PM, when sunlight is most intense
Because skin cancer develops slowly over time, these steps are only as effective as your daily commitment to them. And like all other aspects of your transplant health, it's critical that you schedule regular skin evaluations with your doctor—every 12 months, or, if you are at higher risk, every 3-6 months.
What are the signs of skin cancer?
In addition to regular skin evaluations, monthly self-monitoring is highly recommended. Look for the following changes to your skin:
- New, changing, or scaly growth
- Pink patches or spots
- Bleeding spots
- Changing moles
Fortunately, about 95% of transplant-associated cases of skin cancer are forms of non-melanoma, which are usually curable if caught early enough. The other 5% are cases of melanoma, characterized by asymmetry, border irregularity, color variability, diameter, and evolving growth—known as the ABCDEs of melanoma.
For helpful pictures and additional descriptions of the types of skin cancer, visit the Healthy Body section of TransplantExperience.com.
Skin cancer can be serious, but by learning the signs of skin cancer now, you can seek the early evaluation and treatment key to avoiding long-term complications. Learn more at www.at-risc.org.
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