Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
(From the National Cancer Institute PDQ Statement)
Skin Cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the outer layers of your skin.
Becoming more common every passing year, Skin Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. There are many causes for Skin Cancer, the most common causes are from UV rays and sunburns (note that Skin Cancer is very slow to develop, so it could take twenty years for a sunburn to even start to become cancerous.) However, heredity, as well as the environment in which you live in can also cause effect the likelihood of developing Skin Cancer. Skin Cancer is categorized into two general types: melanoma or non-melanoma; each is caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
One million cases of non-melanoma Skin Cancer are diagnosed every year, and roughly 1900 people will die from non-melanoma skin cancer. You can sometimes determine the likelihood for you getting Skin Cancer by heredity, or how easily you become sunburned. Prevention is just as easy – you can reduce the chance of acquiring Skin Cancer by:
• Minimize your exposure to the sun at midday and between
the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM.
• Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all areas of the
body which are exposed to the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after
swimming or perspiring.
• Wear clothing that covers your body and shades your face. (Hats should
provide shade for both the face and back of the neck.)
• Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps or tanning parlors.
Routine self-examinations, as well as exams by a doctor, are
also extremely important in preventing and diagnosing Skin
Cancer.
Any new unusual changes in the skin should be noted, as it could
be the start of Skin Cancer. If a mole that has grown or changed
colors or a sore that does not heal warrants concern. If a person
notices any changes, they should consult doctor immediately.
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