In May, We Recognized Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that proton beam therapy is a treatment option for some skin cancers? The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both of which are known as non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma skin cancers are less common but are more serious due to the potential to spread. Each of these types of cancer are named based on the layer of skin they affect.

Radiation is often used for skin cancer following surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or for skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body such as the head and neck area. In both cases, proton therapy is beneficial because it can reduce the radiation dose to nearby organs at risk (OAR) and has the potential to decrease acute and long-term toxicities.

A 2021 publication by radiation oncologists at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute and Oral Maxillofacial surgeons at the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville reported their experience with proton therapy treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell) that may have invaded the nearby nerve pathways and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. They concluded that proton therapy can be effective in some of these cases and recommend further studies with the newer method of delivering proton therapy called pencil beam scanning that provides even more precision.

Hear from skin cancer survivor Russ Armistead who was treated with proton therapy for melanoma at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. 

Skin cancer that spreads to areas of the head and neck resulting in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) may also be treated effectively with proton therapy.

In the month of May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is recognized. Cancer screening guidelines recommend an annual skin check with your dermatologist.