compiled by Martin Flynn
DARK SKINNED PEOPLE
GET SKIN CANCER TOO
Skin
cancer is now the most common type of cancer in Britain, with over
70,000 new cases each year. And contrary to popular belief, it now appears
people with dark skin are more likely to die from skin cancer than those with
fairer skin.
While people with darker skins are less likely to get severe skin damage,
when it occurs it is typically more aggressive and diagnosed later, leading
to more deaths.
A new US study found dark black skin has a natural skin protection factor
(SPF) of about 13, which filters out twice as many harmful rays as white skin.
But experts still advise people of all races to use at least SPF 15 sun creams
to protect their skin from sun damage, and to check regularly for skin cancers.
Fair skinned people may notice raised moles after prolonged sun exposure,
while dark skinned people are more likely to develop cancer on the palms of
their hands or the soles of their feet.
"There's a perception that people with darker skin don't have to worry
about skin cancer," said Dr Hugh Gloster. "People with dark skin
do get skin cancer, and because of this false perception most cases aren't
diagnosed until they are more advanced and difficult to treat."
GET YOUR BUM CHECKED
REGULARLY
The
sad death last month of former UKC deputy chair Ian Kramer from colorectal
cancer provides a timely reminder to men living with HIV to have their back-
passages checked-up regularly.
While women are used to having regular gynaecological check-ups, men are often
reluctant to seek advice or help.
Gay men with HIV are at high risk of catching the human papilloma virus (HPV),
which causes anal warts. It is spread easily (even by hands) but difficult
to get rid of. Untreated HPV can lead to anal cancer which is becoming more
common in gay men living with HIV. And even when the immune system is partially
restored by antiretroviral therapy, anal and cervical cancer may progress.
Genital warts are treated with topical anti-viral solutions, frozen off with
liquid nitrogen and in extreme cases removed by surgery. Yearly examinations
of the rectal area (Pap smears) are available from HIV clinics. A specialist
can identify if precancerous lesions are developing and treat them early before
real danger arises.
TOP TIPS FOR STAYING
SUPERBUG FREE
More
than Hospital Acquired Infections were reported in Britain last year. And
experts estimate as many as 20,000 deaths occur each year among people who
acquire diseases while in hospital.
People with compromised immune systems, such as advanced HIV, are at particular
risk. A few years ago, the sister of a friend who was dying in a London HIV
ward was so shocked by a lack of cleanliness, she took her own mop in and
cleaned up herself.
Most UK HIV wards are extremely clean and professional, but patients and visitors
can take steps to reduce the risk of catching any bugs in hospital:
• Make sure someone cleans around your bed and in the toilet daily
• Ask the doctor or nurse to wash their hands before treating you
• Keep hands clean and wash with anti-bacterial soap
• Visitors must wash hands coming onto and leaving the ward
• Wear shoes or slippers when out of bed
• Tea tree oil wipes are anti-microbial and inhibit transfer of MRSA
• Take garlic or garlic capsules for antiviral and antibiotic effects
• Portable air ioniser may reduce the risk of infection
• Visit www.mrsainfection.org
to stay well-informed
• Take grapefruit seed extract for its antiseptic properties
(check with a doctor first if taking protease inhibitors)
