Amidst sharp increases in tanning bed use and subsequent diagnosis of both malignant and non-malignant melanoma, Western Schools is offering an informative 2-hour continuing education course.
West Bridgewater, MA (PRWEB) June 28, 2012
Amidst sharp increases in tanning bed use and subsequent diagnosis of both malignant and non-malignant melanoma, Western Schools – a leading accredited provider of healthcare continuing education– is offering an informative 2-hour continuing education course to help prepare nurses across the country for a growing public health concern: skin cancer. The new course features the most up-to-date assessment, staging, and treatment guidelines.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Approximately 3.5 million people per year are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, which, fortunately, is highly curable. On the other hand, the number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma is relatively small (it's accountable for only 5% if skin cancers), but it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths, has the highest risk of recurrence or metastasis, and is increasing in incidence.
In the U.S., tanned skin is associated with attractiveness, youthfulness, and a desirable "glow." As a result, tanning – in all its forms – has become a culturally-accepted pastime. Yet the dangers of tanning are staples of the news, from spray tan cancers, to new sunscreen labeling regulations set up by the Food and Drug Administration, to the unforgettable tanning mom in New Jersey. Additionally, data shows that people who use artificial tanning expose their skin to 2.5-fold and 1.5-fold greater chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), respectively, and new research indicates that people who use tanning beds during high school/college or are between the ages of 25 to 35 years, have a significantly increased risk for BCC.
According to Amy Bernard, MS, BSN, RN-BC, Director of Continuing Education for Western Schools, "Nurses are well positioned to educate the public on measures they can take to prevent skin cancer. One simple preventive measure is to apply a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays when out in the sun. Reapplication is equally important."
"The FDA is helping the cause by instituting labeling guidelines which go into effect by the end of 2012. More accurate labeling of sunscreens will help consumers make better decisions when selecting sunscreens,"according to Bernard.
To join the fight against skin cancer, Western Schools has published the course, "Skin Cancer" (and they're offering it to healthcare professionals for free during the month of June!).
This continuing education course provides an overview of the prevalence and management of the different types of skin cancer. It guides the nurse through modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, how to perform a risk assessment, physical characteristics and detection strategies, the newest AJCC staging, new treatment modalities, and Healthy People 2020 public health initiatives. Inclusion of the latest SPF sunscreen recommendations and skin cancer prevention strategies to share with patients and families make this a must-have course!
Western Schools is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.
About Western Schools
Western Schools is a leader in continuing education in the healthcare field, offering in-depth, peer-reviewed courses in nursing and behavioral health. Through our process of quality development and rigorous review, Western Schools offers healthcare professionals the highest quality, convenient, and affordable courses needed to fulfill their re-licensure, certification, and other professional education needs. As a nationally accredited continuing education provider, Western Schools offers more than 2,300 continuing education hours across more than 40 specialties in nursing and behavioral health. Since its founding in 1978, Western Schools has served more than 1 million practitioners through its commitment to the growth and lifelong learning of healthcare professionals. For more information about Western Schools, visit http://www.westernschools.com
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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebcontinuing-education/nursing-skin-cancer/prweb9653260.htm
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