Site-Specific Cancer Series: Skin Cancer

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Preface

The most commonly occurring cancer in the United States is skin cancer despite advances in oncology, dermatology, and genetics (American Cancer Society, 2008; Coups, Manne, & Heckman, 2008). More than 97% of these are nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) (Aasi & Leffell, 2005). Melanoma and NMSCs, such as squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas as well as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), have become more prevalent over the last three decades as the U.S. population ages (Coups et al.; Criscione & Weinstock, 2007). The cost of NMSC care alone is estimated to be more than $600 million annually (Aasi & Leffell; Nijsten, de Haas, & Neumann, 2007). These cancers are a major component of oncology and dermatology nursing.

Carcinomas of the skin covered in this book include melanoma, basal cell, squamous cell, Merkel cell, and CTCL. Multiple treatments exist to treat each of these. This book discusses the etiology and pathophysiology of each cancer, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, prevention, treatment, and relevant research. Treatments are disease specific but in general may fall in several classes—surgical, destructive (desiccation and curettage, laser and photodynamic therapy), radiation (ultraviolet light and x-ray), chemotherapy (topical and systemic), immunologic, biologic, and targeted therapies. The aim is to help to bridge the gap between new scientific discoveries and clinical practice.

Written by oncology and dermatology nurse experts, this book provides a comprehensive review for nurses caring for patients who are fighting cancer of the skin. Most skin cancers are the result of cumulative damage to the skin often from patient behaviors that put them at risk (Coups et al., 2008). A key role of oncology and dermatology nurses includes educating people about risk factors and prevention strategies. Nurses need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment options for each of these cancers. In addition, they need to recognize and manage the generally expected adverse effects of these treatments. Expertise in the management of the cancers themselves and complications of their treatments is essential for both outpatient and inpatient nurses. This includes wound and skin care, infection prevention, and strategies for maximizing health-related quality of life. Patient education with regard to prevention of skin cancers, when such is available, potentially could lead to a decrease in the overall incidence of the preventable skin cancers, resulting not only in a better quality of life but also in financial savings for individuals and the country as a whole.

References

• Aasi, S.Z., & Leffell, D.J. (2005). Cancer of the skin. In V.T. DeVita Jr., S. Hellman, & S.A. Rosenberg (Eds.), Cancer: Principles and practice of oncology (7th ed., pp. 1717–1744). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• American Cancer Society. (2008). Cancer facts and figures 2008. Atlanta, GA: Author.
• Coups, E.J., Manne, S.L., & Heckman, C.J. (2008). Multiple skin cancer risk behaviors in the U.S. population. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(2), 87–93.
• Criscione, V.D., & Weinstock, M.A. (2007). Incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the United States, 1973–2002. Archives of Dermatology, 143(7), 854–859.
• Nijsten, T., de Hass, E.R.M., & Neumann, M.H.A. (2007). Question the obvious. Archives of Dermatology, 143(11), 1429–1432.