Skin Cancer Prevention
Patricia. J & Shin Li. T
What is Skin Cancer?
Three Main Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas)
This cancer is develop on sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma was once found in middle-aged or older people, now its beginning to start in younger people (teens) who are exposed to the sun more. This cancer tend to grow slowly. It’s rare for a basal cell cancer to spread to other parts of the body. But if left untreated, it can grow into close areas of the body and spread to the bone or other tissues beneath the skin. If not removed completely, basal cell carcinoma can come back in the same place on the skin.More than half of people who have had basal cell skin cancers are also more likely to get new ones in other places and develop it within 5 years.
Squamous cell skin cancers (squamous cell carcinomas)
This cancer commonly appears on sun-exposed parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands. They can also develop in scars or chronic skin sores elsewhere. Less often, they form in the skin of the genital area. Squamous cell cancers are more likely to grow into deeper layers of skin and spread to other parts of the body than basal cell cancers, although this is still uncommon.
Melanomas
Most melanoma cells still make melanin, so melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites. Having darkly pigmented skin lowers your risk of melanoma at these more common sites, but anyone can develop this cancer on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails.Melanoma is much less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more dangerous. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages.
How is Skin Cancer Caused?
Ways To Prevent Skin Cancer
- Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
- Wear sunscreen year-round
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds
- Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
- Check your skin regularly and report changes to your doctor