Skin Cancer
Stay protected when your having fun in the sun!
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the skin. The disease mostly develops on skin that is exposed to the sun. This common form of cancer comes in three different forms; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. It is very important to know that this form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin that aren't normally exposed to the sun. People of all skin tones can be affected by skin cancer.
Symptoms of Skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma:
- A pearly or waxy bump
- A flat, scaly, brown or flesh-colored patch on your back or chest.
- More rarely a white waxy scar
- A firm, red nodule
- A flat sore with a scaly crust
- A new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer
- Open sores
- Sores that don't heal
- Spread of pigment from the border of a spot to surrounding skin
- Change in sensation – itchiness, tenderness, or pain
- Swelling beyond the border
Causes and Prevention
- Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF
- Don't stay out in the sun for too long
- Seek shade
- Getting new or unusual bumps on your skin checked out
- Wearing the appropriate clothing outside
- Staying away from tanning beds
- Skin cancer can be inherited
Treatments
Skin cancer can be treated in many different ways. The most common ways of treating skin cancer is by having surgery, During the surgery the affected area is completely removed. Another way is by radio therapy. In this case you are operating on a wider case of skin cancer. These are just some of many treatment options that you can take to treat the skin cancer.
Diagnosis
The affected area is viewed under a dermoascope. A cell sample of the affected skin will be sent to the lab. Skin cancer cannot be diagnosed without a biopsy. If the skin cancer is caught at the right time it will be easier to stop.
Frequency in population
- Each year in the US, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer
- Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime
Here's is a PSA reminding you how to stay safe in the sun
Mayo Clinic: Have Fun in the Sun, But Be Sun Smart - Skin Cancer Prevention PSA
Made by: Alexa Orozco
cited sources
"Skin Cancer Foundation." Skin Cancer Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2014.
"Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)." National Cancer Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.
"Skin Cancer." Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2014.