This weekend over a hundred men will be participating in the South Florida Tennis Club?s Clay Court Classis Tennis Tournament. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit Gilda?s Club South Florida, a free, non-profit organization that supports anyone touched by cancer ? men, women and children of all ages and their families and friends.
The pairing of these two organizations is a great match, considering Florida has the second highest rate of melanoma (skin cancer) cases in the nation, according to the Florida Society of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery (FSDDS), and as all cancers ? it does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation does have its role, however.
Gay and bisexual men are more than 10% more likely to smoke, which according to American Cancer Society (ACS) is responsible for nearly 87% of all lung cancers diagnoses. Gay and bisexual men are also 17% more likely to develop anal cancer and 10 times more likely to be affected by testicular cancer. Most recently, a study published in the medical journal Cancer, found that gay men had nearly twice the odds of being diagnosed with cancer as heterosexual males.
Fortunately, Broward County has made strides in the fight against cancer, especially skin cancer, ranking below the state average. Yet the Centers for Disease Control reports that 152 of the 2,140 deaths related to skin cancer occurred in Broward.
?Half of all Americans will experience skin cancer at least once before the age of 65,? the FSDDF reports.
Skin cancer can be divided into two categories, non-melanoma and melanoma. Non-melanoma is considered the less aggressive of the two, accounting for over 90% of all skin cancer cases.
Those most at risk are white men over 50 years old. Added risk factors can include exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.? Genetics can play its role, as well. ?Of course, prevention and early detection are always recommended: avoiding the sun, using sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing if you are going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time, and scheduling regular checkups with your doctor.
Research conducted by the Institute of Medicine indicates that people affected by a cancer diagnosis have a better quality of life when psychosocial support is available as a compliment to their medical treatment. Gilda?s Club South Florida can provide the support and education needed, free of charge.
Touched By Cancer
LGBT Series: Skin Cancer, a Game Changer
When: Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Tennis Club of Fort Lauderdale
600 Tennis Club Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
How Much: Free
For more information: www.gildasclubsouthflorida.org
Source: http://www.southfloridagaynews.com/life-and-style/health/8984-skin-cancer-a-game-changer.html
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