| Skin Cancer |
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Background More than 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year in the United States - and many of these cases could have been prevented. Most damage that leads to skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from tanning beds. This is damage that is easily preventable. Limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds are all highly recommended actions that can lower the risk of skin cancer. Yet, despite efforts to inform the public of these preventative measures, the number of new skin cancer cases has been increasing over the past few decades - a strong indication that our current efforts are far from sufficient. In addition to more public education about recommended risk-lowering actions, much more research is needed to find new ways to protect our skin. Although most skin cancers are curable, a serious type known as melanoma was estimated to claim 8,420 American people's lives last year alone, accounting for more than 70% of all skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is more difficult to prevent because, unlike in other types of skin cancer, heredity plays a major role in melanoma development. It is also more aggressive in spreading (metastasizing) to distant body parts, and treatment is often ineffective once metastasis occurs. Studies show that only 15% of patients with metastatic melanoma could survive for 5 years or longer. Better treatment strategies are in high demand for this lethal skin cancer. NFCR funds leading cancer researchers who are dedicated to finding new and better strategies for skin cancer prevention and treatment. Below are two examples of outstanding NFCR research programs, each holding great promise in the effort to fight skin cancer and save more lives: Searching for "A Second Layer of Sunscreen" Back in the 1980s, Dr. Helmut Sies discovered the powerful anti-oxidation activity of lycopene, the famous red pigment in tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. His recent research with volunteers showed that lycopene and other carotenoids (natural pigments) effectively ameliorated UV-induced skin damage (erythma) in humans, which consequently helped reduce the risk of skin cancer. Dr. Sies' discovery increases the possibilities of using dietary intervention for skin cancer protection, and helps the development of functional foods that may enable humans to create a second layer of powerful sunscreen from inside out. Stopping the Lethal Spread of Melanoma Dr. Welch and his collaborators are opening the research doors toward an understanding of the metastatic process and finding ways to stop its killing. They have discovered six "metastasis suppressor genes" including BRMS1 and KISS1 genes that stop the spread of melanoma. The impact of this research is enormously significant, as it could lead to novel anti-cancer therapies that prevent metastasis from happening or keep it dormant, putting the cancer under control and giving patients new hope for a cure and extended life. |
