Around 60,000 people contract skin cancer each year. It begins when your skin cells start to grow in a rapid and out of control way.
This then leads to a malignant (cancerous) tumour forming on your skin. Whilst exposure to sunlight is the leading risk factor for this type of cancer there are others too.
In this article I will be discussing three of the main skin cancer risk factors.
1) EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT:- As I mentioned above this is the main risk factor for this type of cancer.
The reason for this is that UV rays cause damage to the DNA in your skin cells increasing the chances of cell division going wrong and cancer forming.
Sunlight contains UV rays so prolonged exposure to the sun through spending a lot of time outdoors can increase your risk.
Sunbeds and sunlamps also emit high doses of UV light and so make you more likely to develop this condition.
2) LIGHT SKIN:- People who have light skin are more likely to develop skin cancer because their skin offers less protection from UV rays.
Those with very light skin that goes red or freckles in the sun are most at risk, especially if they were heavily exposed to UV rays from an early age.
Contrastingly people with dark skin are much less likely to develop this condition because their skin contains a melanin pigment which offers protection from UV rays.
3) GENETIC FACTORS:- There are a number of genetic factors that can increase your chances of contracting this type of cancer.
First, having two or more family members that developed skin cancer is thought to increase your risk.
Secondly, having blonde or red hair makes you more likely to develop this disease. Thirdly, people with blue eyes are thought to be at a greater risk than those with other eye colours.
Finally, people with a large number of freckles or moles on their skin are thought to have a greater chance of developing this cancer.
Unlike other cancers you have full control over many of the risk factors linked to skin cancer.
Long term exposure to UV rays makes you more likely to develop this condition especially if you have light skin, blonde or red hair, blue eyes or lots of freckles and moles.
Therefore, if you know you are going to be out in the sun for long periods take the necessary precautions by covering your skin and wearing sun cream.
If your genetic features make you an even higher risk for this type of cancer then make sure you take shelter regularly and avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays when you can.
If you take these precautions you should be able to reduce your skin cancer risk.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only.
Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites.
You can learn more about the various skin cancer risk factors and how improving your fitness can help you prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Parker
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Worship Your Skin, Not the Sun
Your mother is right, you must protect your skin from the strong rays of the sun, especially while you are young. Now, how did she gain that knowledge? Perhaps through a painful lesson, perhaps the health news on TV or in magazines.
Trust her - most skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation occurs before age 20. Fair skinned people who tend to freckle, go red, or burn in the sun are at higher risk than black or brown skinned people.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of most skin cancer.
It is never too soon, or too late to begin protecting your face and neck daily with a moisturizer which contains sunscreen - you will be covering two important facets of skin care with one product.
Most cosmetic companies offer a moisturizing product which contains SPF 15 or more. The 'Sun Protection Factor' is very important even if you do not "plan" to be sunbathing.
Merely being outside for a 15 minute walk could cause damage to unprotected, delicate skin. Getting in the habit of caring for your skin is very important in the prevention of skin cancer.
Babies and children are at high risk of sunburn on their delicate, new skin. Special childcare sunblock cream, lotion and spray-on's are readily available and should be on hand in every household, and applied as frequently as the directions suggest.
Children may be in and out of the house dozens of times per day so an application of sunscreen is absolutely necessary - even on overcast days.
If you feel you "must" sunbathe, in spite of the risks, start slowly - don't roast your skin the first day in the sun.
Take on your healthy seeming glow in degrees, thus decreasing the serious harm a severe sunburn causes.
Tanning is the melanin in your skin darkening to protect it from the sun's rays. In fact tanning is a sign you are injuring your skin.
Protect the most sensitive skin areas; face, neck, shoulders, hands and arms with shade providing hats, and beach umbrellas.
Areas of skin which have been badly burned have an increased risk of developing skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
More bad news - regular use of sunlamps and sunbeds increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Self-tanning products are the only 'safe' way to obtain a sun kissed glow.
Many clothing companies are introducing sun blocking light weight fabrics in their sun and swim apparel and these are simple solutions to implement for all children and at-risk adults.
The new fabrics offer quick drying, comfortable, lightweight protection in stylish hats, shirts, pants, coverups and aquasuits.
Take care of your skin - it's the single largest organ of your body!
Don't forget to wear your UV protection sunglasses!
Skin Cancer Information and Treatment
http://www.skincancerinformationandtreatment.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_West_Smith
Trust her - most skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation occurs before age 20. Fair skinned people who tend to freckle, go red, or burn in the sun are at higher risk than black or brown skinned people.
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the leading cause of most skin cancer.
It is never too soon, or too late to begin protecting your face and neck daily with a moisturizer which contains sunscreen - you will be covering two important facets of skin care with one product.
Most cosmetic companies offer a moisturizing product which contains SPF 15 or more. The 'Sun Protection Factor' is very important even if you do not "plan" to be sunbathing.
Merely being outside for a 15 minute walk could cause damage to unprotected, delicate skin. Getting in the habit of caring for your skin is very important in the prevention of skin cancer.
Babies and children are at high risk of sunburn on their delicate, new skin. Special childcare sunblock cream, lotion and spray-on's are readily available and should be on hand in every household, and applied as frequently as the directions suggest.
Children may be in and out of the house dozens of times per day so an application of sunscreen is absolutely necessary - even on overcast days.
If you feel you "must" sunbathe, in spite of the risks, start slowly - don't roast your skin the first day in the sun.
Take on your healthy seeming glow in degrees, thus decreasing the serious harm a severe sunburn causes.
Tanning is the melanin in your skin darkening to protect it from the sun's rays. In fact tanning is a sign you are injuring your skin.
Protect the most sensitive skin areas; face, neck, shoulders, hands and arms with shade providing hats, and beach umbrellas.
Areas of skin which have been badly burned have an increased risk of developing skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
More bad news - regular use of sunlamps and sunbeds increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Self-tanning products are the only 'safe' way to obtain a sun kissed glow.
Many clothing companies are introducing sun blocking light weight fabrics in their sun and swim apparel and these are simple solutions to implement for all children and at-risk adults.
The new fabrics offer quick drying, comfortable, lightweight protection in stylish hats, shirts, pants, coverups and aquasuits.
Take care of your skin - it's the single largest organ of your body!
Don't forget to wear your UV protection sunglasses!
Skin Cancer Information and Treatment
http://www.skincancerinformationandtreatment.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_West_Smith
Skin Cancer of the Foot and Ankle - An Epidemic
Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.
They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells.
Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer.
It is expected that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet.
These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.
Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin.
They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.
My heartfelt advice:
1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal.
Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over.
Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.
2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!
3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:
Asymmetry - The sides don't match.
Border - It looks uneven or ragged.
Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.
Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious.
If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".
Dr. Ron Worley operates The Foot Doctor of San Diego clinic, He also operates http://www.OurDoctorStore.com/Worley an affordable medical supply website. Signup for plain language information, articles, & health news at http://www.SDFootDoctor.com or TheFootDoctor.info Article Sources http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Worley
They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells.
Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer.
It is expected that something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and hands but they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet.
These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.
Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin.
They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.
My heartfelt advice:
1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal.
Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over.
Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.
2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!
3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:
Asymmetry - The sides don't match.
Border - It looks uneven or ragged.
Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.
Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious.
If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".
Dr. Ron Worley operates The Foot Doctor of San Diego clinic, He also operates http://www.OurDoctorStore.com/Worley an affordable medical supply website. Signup for plain language information, articles, & health news at http://www.SDFootDoctor.com or TheFootDoctor.info Article Sources http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Worley
Types of Skin Cancer - Warning Signs of Skin Cancer to Watch Out For
You might not realize it yet, but exposing yourself unprotected to the sun can lead to different types of skin cancer.
That stubborn itch or redness can be something more than just an irritation. It's important that you arm yourself with the right knowledge, so you won't have any regrets later on.
If you live in a tropical country, you have a greater chance of getting different types of skin cancer.
Of course, this doesn't automatically mean that countries located away from the equator are exempted.
As long as you have skin and are exposed to the sun, it's better to learn as much as you can.
1) Basal Cell Carcinoma
Among the different types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. It starts from the basal layer of the skin-the deepest layer of your epidermis.
You can just imagine how deep the sun's UV rays can reach your skin!
While normally not dangerous, Basal Cell Carcinoma can take different forms. Sometimes, it can even be confused with psoriasis.
This type of skin cancer normally occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body like the face and neck.
2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body.
Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma, this type has a higher risk of metastasis-the spread of a disease from one part of the body to another.
Symptoms include ulcer, a reddish plaque and even cyclical bleeding from the tumor (usually on the lip). Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also lead to head and neck cancer.
3) Melanoma
Children, males and Caucasians have a higher risk of getting Melanoma. While considered one of the rare types of skin cancer, this accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths.
Symptoms include moles that grow to 6mm, melanomas (usually black but can be multi-colored), asymmetrical skin lesion and irregular border of lesion.
These are the three different types of skin cancer. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun or UV rays.
If you are fair-skinned or are exposed to the sun for most of the day, don't forget to slather on some sun block before leaving the house.
If you want to uncover the truth about a new cancer cure said to be scientifically proven to cure cancer and ALL types of diseases (including AIDS, heart diseases, diabetes and many others), go to http://www.squidoo.com/newcancercure
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lee
That stubborn itch or redness can be something more than just an irritation. It's important that you arm yourself with the right knowledge, so you won't have any regrets later on.
If you live in a tropical country, you have a greater chance of getting different types of skin cancer.
Of course, this doesn't automatically mean that countries located away from the equator are exempted.
As long as you have skin and are exposed to the sun, it's better to learn as much as you can.
1) Basal Cell Carcinoma
Among the different types of skin cancer, Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. It starts from the basal layer of the skin-the deepest layer of your epidermis.
You can just imagine how deep the sun's UV rays can reach your skin!
While normally not dangerous, Basal Cell Carcinoma can take different forms. Sometimes, it can even be confused with psoriasis.
This type of skin cancer normally occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body like the face and neck.
2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is usually found on sun-exposed parts of the body.
Compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma, this type has a higher risk of metastasis-the spread of a disease from one part of the body to another.
Symptoms include ulcer, a reddish plaque and even cyclical bleeding from the tumor (usually on the lip). Squamous Cell Carcinoma can also lead to head and neck cancer.
3) Melanoma
Children, males and Caucasians have a higher risk of getting Melanoma. While considered one of the rare types of skin cancer, this accounts for 75% of skin cancer related deaths.
Symptoms include moles that grow to 6mm, melanomas (usually black but can be multi-colored), asymmetrical skin lesion and irregular border of lesion.
These are the three different types of skin cancer. They are usually caused by overexposure to the sun or UV rays.
If you are fair-skinned or are exposed to the sun for most of the day, don't forget to slather on some sun block before leaving the house.
If you want to uncover the truth about a new cancer cure said to be scientifically proven to cure cancer and ALL types of diseases (including AIDS, heart diseases, diabetes and many others), go to http://www.squidoo.com/newcancercure
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lee
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