The Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-03-26, Page 36Goderich volunteers active in the work of the Canadian Cancer
Society are, front row, left to right, Gay De Groot, Branch
education committee and telephone committee; Lois McGill,
Branch education chairman; and Mary Lou Aubin, Branch
mastectomy visiting vice-chairman; and back row, left to right,
Mel Farnsworth, Huron County Unit -president and rural campaign
chairman for Goderich Branch; Ken Scott, Branch rural campaign
vice-chairman; Jim Remington, Unit campaign chairman;
Fordyce Clark, Branch transportation chairman; Ross McDaniel,
Unit past president; and Angus MacLennan, Branch president and
delegate to district council. Branch members absent for photo
were: Bob McCall, vice-president; Gail Bettger, secretary;
Eugene Bender, treasurer; Zella Crawford, commemoration;
Hazel McCreath, publicity; Phyllis McConnell, mastectomy
visiting chairman; Joyce Pinkney, transportation vice-chairman;
Kathy McDonald, eudcation committee; Dr. B. Thomson, medical
advisor; Olive Knisley and Chris Gautreau, patient services; Roy
Mugford, urban campaign chairman; Fran Fisher, urban
campaign vice-chairman and telephone committee; and Marion
Shaw, telephone committee. (Photo by Joanne Buchanan)
.Facts about skin cancer...
• from page 6
condition such as a sore that does not heal,
and have it checked by a physician. Only the
doctor can determine whether an abnormal
growth is benign, precancerous or malig-
nant. In many cases, he will have to arrange
a biopsy in order to make a firm diagnosis.
A biopsy is a surgical procedure in which
a small piece of tissue is removed from the
suspected area and examined under a
microscope. If the suspected area is small
enough, it may be totally removed for biop-
sy. This is the only way to determine if
cancer cells are present. A biopsy of a.
benign tumor does not change .it into a
cancer. Neither. is there an increased
danger of spreading a cancer to other parts
of the body.
TREATMENT
If the biopsy shows the growth to be
cancerous, or even precancerous, the doctor
will decide the best treatment for the par-
ticular type of abnormal cells.
There are four main methods of treatment
- radiation (destroying cancers with rays
that produce only minimal damage to sur-
rounding normal tissues), surgery, electro
desiccation (tissue destruction by heat), or
cryosurgery (tissue destruction by freez-1
Mg). The extent of the growth and its loca-
tion will determine the method used, but all
methods are equally effective with a 95 per-
cent cure rate.
In some cases, a combination of therapies
may be employed. One treatment may be
sufficient; other times repeated treatments
are needed. Over the last few years, ap-
plication of drugs in the form of ointments
or lotions, especially the drug 5 -
Fluorouracil, has also been effective in
treating pre -cancerous skin conditions.
Each person must be considered in-
dividually. Success in treating slain cancer
depends on the extent, stage and kind of
cancer, and how the abnormality responds
to treatment, For basal cell and squamous
cell cancers, cure is virtually assured with
early detection and treatment.
MALIGNANT MELANOMA
Malignant melanoma, although relatively
uncommon, occurs in a younger age group
than the other types of skin cancer and may
spread • to other organs. A melanoma is
usually distinguished by a dark brown col-
ouration mixed with areas of white, pink,
blue or grey. • It starts as a small mole -like
HOPE Page 7
Pap test is
important
The uterus, or womb, is a small, pear-
shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. It has
two parts; the uterus itself, and the neck of
the uterus, or the cervix.
The test for changes in the cervix or neck
of the womb which can tell if a pre-
cancerous or cancerous condition exists is
known as the 'Pap test' of the 'Pap smear.'
It is now part of the standard gynecological
exam. This simple yet very important test is
painless and can be carried out in your doc-
tor's office in a matter of minutes. If you are
sexually active or are over 18 years of age,
discuss with your doctor how often you
should have the test, since this may vary ac-
cording to age and certain other risk fac-
tors. However, it should be done regularly.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Cells are gently taken from the surface of
the cervix and placed on a glass slide which
is sent to a laboratory. The cells are then ex-
amined under a microscope. In most
women, these cells are absolutely normal.
In a very few - about 6 out of every thousand
- the cells do not look normal. When this oc-
curs the test is repeated and, if necessary,
further examinations made.
THEN WHAT?
Even if further investigation or treatment
is required, the Pap test enables doctors to
discover cancer, or pre -cancerous changes,
early so that the chances for a complete
cure are greatly increased. If any abnor-
mality is found, some additional procedures
may be done by your doctor.
A very common diagnostic procedure is a
biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is
removed and examined under a
Turn to page 8 •
growth which may increase in size or
change colour or shape. It may become it-
chy, and occasionally a minor injury may
cause it to bleed. Any change in a mole or
the development of a new mole over 1 cm in
size should be checked out with a doctor
right away.
As with the other types of skin cancer, the
doctor may arrange to have a biopsy done to
assure a correct diagnosis. If melanoma is
discovered, the most common treatment is
surgery, but the other forms of treatment
may be used as well (see Treatment).
Malignant melanoma may require more
extensive surgery than other types of skin
cancer. However, advances in cosmetic
surgery aid in the treatment of people with
skin cancer, particularly when facial and
neck areas are involved.
If the melanoma is discovered and treated
at an early stage there is an excellent
chance for cure. If, however, the melanoma
has become raised and has formed nodules,
the tumor may spread to other organs.
Despite this; the five-year survival rate for
patients with this disease is 63 percent
which, is relatively good.
FUTURE PROGRESS
The real hope for the future is in both
prevention and early detectibn. Cancer
specialists all over the world are improving
diagnostic techniques, learning more about
the nature of early or minimal cancer and
developing more effective combinations of
treatments.
The Canadian public and the medical pro-
fession must be alerted to the need for
earlier detection by better identification of
those at risk of developing skin cancer.
Recognition of the danger of overexposure
to the sun will prevent many cases of skin
cancer from developing.
HOW TO HELP PROTECT
AGAINST SKIN CANCER
•Avoid repeated over-expostire to the sun -
especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
•Wear protective clothing, such as long-
sleeved shirts and wide -brimmed hats.
•Use a sunscreen containing PABA to ab-
sorb ultraviolet rays. These sunscreens are
rated in strength, and the higher the
number, the greater the protection; or Use a
sun block preparation containing zinc oxide
or titanium dioxide that will deflect
ultraviolet rays.
•The key to saving lives from skin cancer
is first prevention and then the early detec-
tion and prompt treatment of any skin ab-
normality.
This information is brought to you with the kind co-operation of the following:
THE
CANDLELIGHT- I 1
RESTAURANT &TAVERN
GODERICH
PHONE 524-7711
ALVIN°S TV
162 Mary St.
524-9089
Goderich
WHOLESALE PLUMBING SUPPLIER
HUCKINS ST. (INDUSTRIAL PARK) GODERICH
Christopher Borgal
Architect
King Street West
P.Q. Box 422
Blyth, Ontario NOM 1 HO
Tel. 523-9205
THE
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*SHOP*
36 NEWGATE ST.
Phone 5e4-7862 OFFSET and LETTERPRESS
Quality Job Printing
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Rick Polio, Director