Do you know the shocking truth: skin cancer and Organ transplants?

Congratulations on your new Heart! or Kidneys, Lungs or Liver! Now you can also have a dose of Squamous Cell Carcinoma aka Skin Cancer, for you to enjoy.

Sounds snarky but its true. If you, or a loved one, have been an organ transplant patient, the risk of skin cancer will occur at an astounding rate of 65 to 250 times more frequently than the general population. Why and what can you do? Read on then share this info.

Why does Organ transplant increase your risk factor?

The usual factors such as pale skin, high exposure to UV, tanning beds and UV radiation are a already a few of the skin cancer risk factors.

Now add in immuno-suppressant drugs taken to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and  the risk factor jumps.
From my own personal research, I surmised that the immune suppressing drugs could be preventing our bodies from fighting tumor growth skin cancers in the early stages but there is not enough data to fully support this idea to explain it clearly.

What is known:

A. If you are already at risk of skin cancer
B. And you are an organ transplant recipient
B2. or you are on immune suppressing medications for other conditions such as Crohns disease or Severe Psoriasis then:
C. YOU MUST DILIGENTLY PROTECT YOUR SELF FROM ALL UV EXPOSURE.


Warning: this video is not safe for the squeamish and easily grossed out.

In the blurb on this recent video by Dr Lee, she noted that transplant patients are more prone to squamous cell carcinomas. Since my wonderful, and rather perfect for me, hubby follows her pimple popping videos (yes...I know), he brought this one to my attention.

How can you protect yourself

1. Sunscreen is NOT ENOUGH! 

Bet you never thought you would hear ME say that! The truth is, none of us actually apply ENOUGH sunscreen to actually GET the SPF rating on the bottle. It helps, but not by itself, especially when you are at higher risk.

Which SPF is the right one? 

This is especially important to those that are at higher risk for skin cancer:

• Choose a Broad Spectrum sunscreen- with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide preferably. 
• Go for High SPF - optimal is SPF 50. 
• Apply to ALL EXPOSED skin areas
• DO NOT FORGET: ears, back of neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, and feet. 
• Apply much more than the usual pencil eraser size - think 2 finger-lengths for your face and neck. 
• Reapply every 2 hours. More often if sweating or swimming

Ask me about our range of high SPF Zinc & Titanium Sunscreens with options for sensitive skin, healing green tea antioxidants, light weight textures and ....

•  COMING SOON: SPF 50 BB CREAM with ZINC OXIDE that goes from a Cream to a Powder finish 

2. Be a vampire from 10am to 4pm

Avoid the sun at its highest strength like you are a vampire about to be dusted by UV rays. This is especially important on cloudy days since the UVA rays will sneak through clouds like a stake through your chest.

3. Protective Gear - hipster approved

Even if you can't afford the fancy UV protective clothing you can still protect yourself with long sleeves shirts and long pants in bright or dark colors, and tightly woven fabrics.
Trick: hold up your shirt, if you can see the light through it then it's useless to keep the sunlight out.

4. Join the "HATS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK" tribe 

OK, I just made that up but it should be a thing! Make this a THING: A wide brimmed hat is essential and also very stylish!

I have a straw gardening hat from Orchard Supply Hardware which cost under $20 that I leave at the spa. A nice plus is I get lots of compliments on it. But I'm looking to upgrade to this stylish and adjustable one -Classic black sun hat by Freckles on etsy

Question: What should our hashtag be for our "hat comeback" tribe? Post your suggestion in the comments section, below.

5. The uncool wraparound sunglasses are now declared AWESOME!

Yup, I made that up too. But wrap-around, wide lens UV blocking sunglasses are great to protect the skin, protect the eyes, and reduce the increase in sun & age related glaucoma.

Big Plus: Less wrinkles around the eyes because less UV damage AND reduced frown lines since you're not squinting

6. Vampires love themselves some Vitamin D

Skin cancer can kill you so sun protection is vital, but it may reduce your vitamin D levels. Be sure to visit your M.D. and get your levels checked. Your doc may recommend adding more vitamin D rich foods or a supplement. Unfortunately for vampires they have to get it directly from the source: sun-soaked surfers!  

7. Monthly Loving Your Skin Self Check

Love your skin by checking it from scalp to toenails, front and back, every month.
Every year have your Dermatologist check you out. If you find anything suspicious - make a note and tell your MD sooner rather than later.
EARLY SKIN CANCER DETECTION IS YOUR LIFE SAVER!!.

One final note:

Ask your Doctor if  you are a candidate for skin cancer preventative treatment with drugs (Chemoprevention).

Who can benefit from this advice?

Everyone! This checklist is universally important, but 65 to 250 times more so for friends and family that have had an organ transplant or are on immune-suppressing drugs.

I am personally going to be sharing this important information with all my clients, at least a dozen of them can personally benefit from this knowledge. Who on your list of family and friends need this info?

I will be rocking the sun protected look,
Michelle

Sources:
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/transplant