A Natural Born Killer

On February 11, 2008 one of our most talented actors died. Roy Scheider, who uttered one of the most famous lines in movies, is gone. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”, from the movie Jaws, is one of the most recognized lines in movie history.

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Scheider in a TV series called “Seaquest” back in 1993. He was talented, professional and generous.

But I’m not writing this because he died, but rather how he died.

Roy Scheider died of skin cancer. More specifically, complications from a staph infection at the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy where he was suffering from multiple myeloma.

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers? Between 40 to 50% of all cancers diagnosed each year is skin cancer.

There are two main types: nonmelanoma and malignant melanoma. The first, nonmelanoma, is less serious and has two common types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma, which represents about 75% of all skin cancer, forms on the outer layer of the skin of sun exposed areas of the body. They are slow growing and do not usually spread.

Squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 20% of skin cancers, also forms on the outer layer of the skin but can also spread. Nonmelanoma symptoms include spots or bumps that grow over time that appear as a sore that does not heal within three months.

The next, malignant melanoma, accounts for about 4% of skin cancers and is the most serious. About 79% of all deaths from skin cancer are from melanoma. In this disease, cancer develops in cells (melanocytes) that produce skin pigmentation. A black or brown spot appears, typically, on the torso of males and lower legs of females. It may also form on the palm of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails. And it is more likely to spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Melanoma symptoms may be spots, sores, lumps, blemishes or markings on the skin that change in shape, size or color and the skin may ooze, bleed or swell or may feel painful, scratchy or tender.

As far as the causes of this Natural Born Killer?

Spring. Summer. Hotter weather, stronger sun, weaker ozone. The sun we used to lay in when we were kids was a little different than it is now. Today we don’t have a thick ozone to filter the UV rays. So it’s up to us to practice a little protection and precaution.  Skin cancer can be cured if detected early. The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related checkup with skin examination every three years for people 20 to 40 years old and annual exams for persons over 40.

And use sun block. Everyday. Make it a daily ritual like putting on make-up or moisturizer. And guys…you as well. Sun block on the face, arms and hands. Every day.

If you need more info, call us here at the studio or stop in. We’d love to see you. Cancer free.

Thanks for listening and have a healthy day!

James Lanza is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the International Sports Sciences Association. He has been in the fitness industry for over twenty years.  James owns Lanza Fitness Personal Training, a premiere private training facility conveniently located in Northridge at 19524 Nordhoff St. in the Guitar Center/BevMo shopping Promenade. His clients range from celebrities to athletes to housewives. James can be reached at his facility by calling 818-718-1937 or www.Lanzafitness.com