Skin Cancer

by: AimyD
Total views: 32 | Word Count: 400

With all the different types of cancer doctors see each year, skin cancer is the most established. This comes as no shock since millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

Who is at risk?

Those who have a light complexion or are fair skinned carry a higher risk of having skin cancer than most. This is because they are light skinned enough that the sun seems to be more attracted to them. Any one can be diagnosed with skin cancer, so it is very important that you limit the amount of time you are in the sun and use powerful sun block when you are out.

Types of Skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancer: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma or non-melanoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Melanoma grows in the cells that are responsible for your skin pigmentation, also known as melanocytes. Melanoma is the rarest type of skin cancer. This is due to it being found mostly in those with light skin, hair and eyes, although it is still possible for anyone to have this type of skin cancer. The most common symptoms are moles that change color, size, shape, or state meaning the mole will begin to bleed. Also moles that feel itchy, lumpy, swollen or tender to the touch may be a sign of melanoma skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma starts with a small bump that is most commonly found on the head, neck, or hands. Basal Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and is found mostly in Caucasians.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also known as non-melanoma skin cancer and usually begins as a scaly, red patch or patches on the skin. This type of skin cancer also affects mostly Caucasians that have fair complexions. This cancer will show up on the ears, face, lips, and even mouth.

There are treatment options available from your doctor. These treatment options are only to be used once a biopsy has confirmed that you have one of the three types of skin cancer. To avoid possible skin damage you should keep the amount of “rays” you take in every day. As much fun as it is to go to the beach all day, the longer you are out in the sun with no sun block the higher your risk of skin cancer. Be safe and be sun smart, wear your sun block to reduce possible cancer.